I have lived with glaucoma for more than a decade, and over the years the associated experience of dry eyes and blurred vision has become an increasing problem alongside the treatment interventions and the eye drops that I’m required to use. Some days are worse than others and I’ve never really understood why this might be. I have used drops for dry eyes and sometimes they help but not always.
Recently, for other health reasons I have paid more attention to staying properly hydrated during the day and noticed that my vision was becoming less blurry, although I still didn’t really associate the two until today, when I’ve not been able to keep myself hydrated properly and found that my vision had become increasingly blurry again. I tried eye drops with limited effect, and so then I drank plenty of water (didn’t go over the top) and lo and behold within a couple of hours the blurred vision decreased dramatically - to the point where I’m able to sit at a screen and type this message.
The association between the two may be obvious to some, but in all the years that I’ve lived with the problem, nobody has ever told me about it, and thinking that maybe I’m not the only one I just thought I would share… just stay hydrated; it really helps.
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Purchris
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I’ve been a bit hit and miss with my ‘trial’. I don’t normally drink much apart from tea but I’ve tried to drink water the past few days. Somedays I forget and only have one glass but on the days when I make an effort to have more I have noticed that my eyes feel more comfortable and don’t sting as much.. I’m going to make a concerted effort to drink more water. I’m keeping a bottle in the fridge now. Thank you for the info Purchris.
Sounds like a promising start, Littletreasures. If your experience is anything like mine, you’ll find that once your body becomes accustomed to having sufficient water, you will become more aware of when you’re thirsty and that will prompt you to drink. Good luck moving forward.
Thank you, I had been told about staying hydrated....but tend to forget ! I do not think I could often be dehydrated but when my eyes are sore or blurred I will definitly try some extra fluid.
After a shower I am usually fine, but tend to use some Thealoz duo UD anyway. Also if I am outside I can forget about dry eyes, but they are often worse indoors in the evening. Often the lubricating drops will be used 4 or 5 times a day and always before bed, when I use the warm pad for 10 minutes then wipe the lashes well.
We have a warm, dry house with a humidity monitor...I can usually tell when the humidity is raised without reading the monitor as my eyes will be more comfortable.
Some opticians have private dry eye clinics, so if things got worse I may see if they have more ideas.
Thealoz duo gel drops are excellent at night but usually very awkward getting them out of the individual dropper even using the dropper aids. Vision is often very blurry and eyes left sticky immediately after application.
Winter is worse for me because of lower humidity. My sister has an old draughty house and we tend to sit in the steamy kitchen where I am always comfortable.
I think it’s definitely true for me! Rehydrating doesn’t work instantly, but often if my eyes are feeling sore, I can look back and realise I’ve not drunk enough water that day.
It also happened last February when I had to work one day a week for a month in a building that’s notoriously a bit of a “sick building” - very dry air. The effects lasted all month and only went away when I stopped working there. Next time I have to work there, I think I’ll be much more diligent about hydration, regular use of carbomer gel eye drops in advance etc.
Hi PurchrisGood venetalation, avoiding direct sunlight and staying aways as long as you can from air-conditioning might also help in reducing eye dryness. I have been told that excessive washing of the face with tap water might lead to eye dryness because of the salienation and purification chemicals used.
My optician recommended I drink more water. Yet no one has ever suggested it at my glaucoma clinic. She also suggested getting more Omega 3 in my diet. I tried some Omega 3 capsules for a year but can't say I noticed much difference but I think drinking more water does help.
I find it hard to get out of the habit of drinking tea and coffee though. Also find it hard to remember to use the heat mask until I find my eyes getting really red and sore and then it prompts me to do it. I should use it every day really.
Here are hints that may help you and other regarding dry eyes.
Ideas to help with Dry Eyes in the colder weather
In winter, the cold weather, strong winds and central heating can make dry eyes worse.
Here are a few things you can do that may help. These will be helpful anytime of the year, but especially in the colder months.
Using a humidifier
Central heating can cause the air to become dry and stuffy. Using a humidifier can help. These are inexpensive and can be bought at department stores or online. You can buy ceramic ones designed for hanging on the radiator. You just fill them with water and hang them. If you have radiator covers fitted, they humidifier should fit onto any vent at the front of the covers. Other humidifiers are available, and prices vary greatly, so it a good idea to shop around.
Protecting your eyes from the cold weather
Wear wraparound glasses when you go out to protect your eyes. These can stop the wind getting to the eyes and causing them to water. If you wear glasses, there are wraparounds that fit over glasses so don’t worry about getting ones with a prescription.
Increasing your dry eye drops
You may find that the number of dry eye drops you use, do not soothe your eyes as well as they did in the warmer weather. Try increasing the number of times you use them. If you find an improvement by increasing the number of times you use them, stick to that number each day. You can carry on with this throughout the year if you feel the benefits of doing so.
Other things you can do throughout the year
Heated eye masks
Using a heated eye mask. There are different types available from the pharmacy online. Ones that you heat in the microwave or others where you charge up with a USB lead. Many pharmacist sell them, or they are available to purchase online.
The heat from the mask will stimulate the natural oils in the eye and soothe them. You can use them as often as you need too.
Oily fish and Supplements
Eating oily fish 2-3 times a week. You can also take an Omega 3 capsule each morning instead if you’re not really a fish eater.
Keep well hydrated
It is recommended to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Using a computer
If you use the computer, make sure you have a comfort break every hour. Remembering to blink may sound silly, but when we concentrate, we forget, so try to remember to blink.
You can also do the 20-20-20 routine. This is when you look away from the screen every 20 minutes and concentrate on something 20 metres away for 20 seconds.
Whether you are on the computer, or even reading a book, always have a comfort break.
If you normally wear contact lenses, try and have a few days where you don’t wear them and just wear your glasses.
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