Summertime Tips for Chronic Dry Eye

While summer can mean humidity in the Fort Worth area, the hot temperatures often undo the benefits of the ambient moisture. If you struggle with dry eyes, you might notice that they’re at their worst during summer. The hot, sunny days often take their toll. 

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you have to go through this season with scratchy, irritated eyes. At Hanami Medspa in Fort Worth, Texas, Elaine Phuah, DO, MBA, FACOI, and our team offer targeted treatment to relieve dry eyes. With OptiLIGHT, we can target the root cause of your eye problems. 

But that’s not our only tip for relief. Most of our patients enjoy their most comfortable summer when they pair OptiLIGHT treatment with home remedies. Here are a few things you can explore to see if they help you.

#1: Find eye drops that work for you

Artificial tears provide fast relief to your eyes. When you know you’ll be in the heat, carrying a small bottle in your pocket or purse can make a big difference. 

#2: Try the OptiLIGHT treatment

OptiLIGHT is an FDA-approved dry eye treatment that uses intense pulse light (IPL) technology to:

• Minimize inflammation
• Destroy abnormal blood vessels
• Improve meibomian gland morphology 
• Get rid of demodex mites

In this way, OptiLIGHT targets a variety of things that irritate your eyes and contribute to dryness. It treats meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and helps your tears evaporate more slowly, giving you relief through the summer months and beyond.

Most people see results from OptiLIGHT with four sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. Each session only takes about 30 minutes and comes with no downtime. 

#3: Wash your eyelids

Problems with eyelashes can contribute to eyelid inflammation, worsening your dry eye. 

Use a warm washcloth and a mild soap to gently wipe around your eyes. With your eyes closed, gently massage around your eyes. Use the washcloth to loosen and remove any debris in your eyelashes. 

Make sure you rinse thoroughly once you’re done. Any residual soap could further irritate your eyes.  

#4: Add more fatty acids to your diet

Eating more omega-3 fatty acids helps some people experience fewer dry eye symptoms. 

Fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and anchovies are all good sources of this nutrient. Other good options include:

• Flaxseeds
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts
• Soybeans

You can enjoy this summer without scratchy, irritated eyes with the right combination of home remedies and OptiLIGHT treatment. To explore your options with a dry eye specialist, call Hanami Medspa or make an appointment online. Our team can help you find the relief your eyes deserve during the warm months and beyond.