{"id":90613,"date":"2024-07-05T03:29:33","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T11:29:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/?p=90613"},"modified":"2025-04-17T15:21:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T23:21:41","slug":"understanding-and-managing-dry-eyes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/understanding-and-managing-dry-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding and Managing Dry Eyes: July is Dry Eye Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>July is more than just fireworks and barbecues\u2014it\u2019s also <a href=\"https:\/\/sjogrens.org\/news\/2024\/july-is-dry-eye-awareness-month#:~:text=The%20declaration%20of%20July%20as,the%20possible%20cause%20being%20Sj%C3%B6gren&#039;s.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" aria-label=\"Visit Dry Eye Awareness Month Page (opens in new tab)\"><strong>Dry Eye Awareness Month<\/strong><\/a>, a time dedicated to educating ourselves about a common yet often overlooked eye condition. Dry eye syndrome affects millions worldwide, causing discomfort and affecting daily life. Whether you\u2019re experiencing symptoms or want to learn more to help a loved one, here\u2019s everything you need to know about dry eyes, its causes, and practical tips for relief.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-90639\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/pexels-karolina-grabowska-6660871.jpg\" alt=\"Woman using eye drops\" width=\"916\" height=\"500\"><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Photo by <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/a-woman-using-an-eye-drops-6660871\/\" aria-label=\"Visit Karolina Kaboompics Page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Karolina Kaboompics<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What is Dry Eye Syndrome?<\/h2>\n<p>Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don\u2019t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. When the quantity or quality of tears fails to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated, dry eye syndrome can result.<\/p>\n<h2>Causes of Dry Eyes<\/h2>\n<p>Several factors can contribute to dry eyes, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> Dry eyes are more common as we get older, especially in individuals over 50.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Environmental Factors:<\/strong> Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can increase tear evaporation and contribute to dryness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medical Conditions:<\/strong> Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can affect tear production.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medications:<\/strong> Antihistamines, decongestants, and certain antidepressants can reduce tear production.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Screen Time:<\/strong> Extended use of digital devices can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8439964\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" aria-label=\"Visit decreased blinking Page (opens in new tab)\"><strong>decreased blinking<\/strong><\/a> and increased evaporation of tears.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contact Lenses:<\/strong> Improper use or wearing contact lenses for extended periods can contribute to dry eyes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-90637\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/26_07202021_B2B_V10_0228-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two people at the computer\" width=\"916\" height=\"500\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome<\/h2>\n<p>Recognizing the symptoms of dry eyes can help in seeking appropriate treatment:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Persistent dryness, itching, or a gritty sensation in the eyes.<\/li>\n<li>Redness and irritation.<\/li>\n<li>Blurred vision, particularly when reading or using digital screens.<\/li>\n<li>Sensitivity to light.<\/li>\n<li>Eye fatigue or discomfort after prolonged periods of visual tasks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Managing Dry Eyes<\/h2>\n<p>While dry eye syndrome can be chronic, several strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve eye comfort:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use Artificial Tears:<\/strong> Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide relief by supplementing natural tear production.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stay Hydrated:<\/strong> Drinking plenty of water can help maintain overall hydration, which can benefit tear production.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blink Regularly: <\/strong>Remember to blink consciously, especially when using digital devices, to spread tears evenly over the eye\u2019s surface.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take Breaks:<\/strong> Practice the 20-20-20 rule\u2014every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds\u2014to reduce eye strain.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Protect Your Eyes:<\/strong> Wear <a href=\"\/b\/prescription-sunglasses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Visit sunglasses Page (opens in new tab)\"><strong>sunglasses<\/strong><\/a> outdoors to shield your eyes from wind and sun exposure, which can exacerbate dryness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adjust Your Environment:<\/strong> Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air, particularly during colder months.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consult Your Eye Care Professional:<\/strong> If symptoms persist or worsen, schedule an appointment with an eye care specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/p\/womens-geometric-sunglass-frames\/11516\/1151625\" aria-label=\"Visit womens geometric sunglass frames 11516 1151625 page\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-90638 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/1151639_0876v2-2.jpg\" alt=\"Woman wearing sunglasses\" width=\"916\" height=\"500\"><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/p\/womens-geometric-sunglass-frames\/11516\/1151625\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Visit Shop these frames Page (opens in new tab)\"><strong>Shop these frames<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This Dry Eye Awareness Month, take proactive steps to prioritize your eye health with <a href=\"\/b\/best-seller-glasses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Visit Zenni. Page (opens in new tab)\"><strong>Zenni.<\/strong><\/a> Whether you\u2019re managing chronic dry eyes or seeking preventive measures, understanding the causes and symptoms is the first step towards relief. By incorporating simple lifestyle adjustments and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can ensure that your eyes stay comfortable and healthy year-round. Remember, your vision is precious\u2014let\u2019s work together to keep it clear and comfortable!<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/b\/best-seller-glasses\" aria-label=\"Visit best seller glasses page\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-76510 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/231215_Blog_banner_shop_all.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1950\" height=\"250\"><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":90636,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[156,157,58],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eye-care","category-billboard","category-zenni-news"],"acf":[],"contentshake_article_id":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/112"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90613"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":90690,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90613\/revisions\/90690"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/90636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}