If your eyes often feel gritty, scratchy, or irritated, you know how much this discomfort can affect your day. At Vivid Eye Care, we often recommend using a humidifier as a way to find some relief.
A humidifier helps with dry eyes by adding moisture to your environment. However, it’s still important to understand the causes of dry eye in order to find lasting relief.
What Is Dry Eye & Why Does It Happen?
Dry eye is a common condition that happens when your tears can’t provide enough lubrication for your eyes or when the tears that you do produce are low quality and evaporate too quickly.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Feeling like something is in your eyes
- Redness & irritation
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes, which can sometimes be accompanied by stinging tears as the body responds to irritation
Top Causes of Dry Eye Symptoms
Several factors can contribute to dry eyes. The air around you plays a big part, as dry climates, wind, and indoor heating can all dry out your tear film. Other causes include extended screen time, the aging process, and certain medications.
How a Humidifier Can Boost Eye Comfort
Calgary’s dry air is a major trigger for dry eye symptoms, so using a humidifier to add moisture back into your environment can help keep your eyes more comfortable.
Slower Tear Evaporation
When the air is less dry, your tears don’t evaporate as quickly from the surface of your eyes. This helps your eyes stay moist and comfortable for longer. An indoor humidity level between 40% & 60% is often helpful for eye comfort.
Nighttime Relief for Morning Dryness
Many people wake up with dry, irritated eyes, a common issue known as morning dry eye. Sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom can make a noticeable difference, as the increased moisture will help counteract dry air circulating overnight, so you can wake up feeling more refreshed.
Tips for Use
Choose the Right Water & Keep It Clean
You can use distilled water instead of tap water in your humidifier. Tap water contains minerals that can create a fine white dust and may promote bacterial growth. Make sure to clean your humidifier regularly following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Consistency Is Key
To get the most benefit, use your humidifier consistently. This is especially true in rooms where you spend a lot of time, like your office or bedroom. Inconsistent use may not provide the steady relief that your eyes need.
More At-Home Ideas for Dry Eye Relief
Along with using a humidifier, you can try a few other simple habits. These can help keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated.
- Give Your Eyes a Break: When you’re using a computer or phone, you blink less often, which can lead to digital eye strain. Try to follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your body function properly, and that includes tear production.
- Block the Wind & Dry Air: Wear wraparound sunglasses when you’re outside to protect your eyes from wind. When at home or in your car, try to avoid having fans or air vents blowing directly at your face.
When to Discuss Dry Eyes With Your Doctor
Home remedies can provide relief, but sometimes they aren’t enough to manage persistent symptoms. If your dry eyes continue to bother you, it may be time to get a professional opinion. An eye exam can help identify the specific cause of your discomfort.
As your eye doctor in Cranston Market, we have the technology to get a detailed look at your tear film. Based on our findings, we’ll recommend a treatment plan that may include eye drops or in-office dry eye treatments.Your eyes and vision are precious, and our team at Vivid Eye Care aims to help preserve them. If you need support with dry eye symptoms, book an appointment at our Meadows Mile or Cranston Market locations to find a solution that works for you.
