If you suffer from dry eyes, you know how miserable it can be — especially during the long, dry months of winter. Your eyes may feel irritated, itchy, watery, and tired, and you may even experience blurred vision.
The first step to relief is scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor, who can assess the health of your eyes, offer some insights into what might be causing your dry eyes, and help you explore treatment options (ranging from eye drops and warm compresses to innovative devices like the iLUX2). Your eye doctor may also be able to recommend some simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the discomfort of dry eyes, such as wearing contacts less frequently, using the 20-20-20 rule, and buying a humidifier. In this blog post, we’re going to focus on that last tip because it can be especially beneficial in the wintertime. Let’s explore some tips for using a humidifier for dry eyes.
How to Use a Humidifier for Dry Eye Relief
Maintaining the proper humidity levels in your home or workplace can help keep your eyes hydrated — not to mention the fact that it can prevent flaky, itchy skin! But if you’re hoping to use a humidifier for dry eyes, there are a few essential tips you need to follow.
- Choose the right type of humidifier. Not all humidifiers are created equal. Generally, eye doctors and health professionals recommend that you choose a cool-mist humidifier if you suffer from dry eyes because it won’t increase the room’s temperature like a warm-mist humidifier will. It’s also safer if you have pets or children. However, both types can be effective.
- Try to maintain an optimal humidity level. Experts typically recommend keeping your indoor humidity level around 40-60% if you’re seeking dry eye relief. Remember that more humidity isn’t always better; humid environments can encourage mold growth, which is harmful to your health.
- Keep your humidifier clean. Humidifiers become dirty quickly, and if your humidifier isn’t clean, it can actually spread bacteria and mold into the air. To protect your eye health and general health, change the water daily. In addition, clean the tank with a mild disinfectant or vinegar solution at least once per week. If you’re shopping for a new humidifier, consider how easy it is to clean before making your final decision — your future self will thank you! Finally, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to replacing filters and cartridges.
- Position your humidifier correctly. Place it wherever you spend most of your time. Many people choose to keep a humidifier beside their desk or bed. In addition, keep it several feet away from any walls or furniture for proper air circulation. Don’t place it near anything that could be damaged by excess moisture.
- Use distilled or filtered water. Tap water may contain minerals that can build up in your humidifier and irritate your eyes. Using distilled or filtered water prevents buildup and keeps your air and humidifier cleaner.
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Finally, remember that while you can use a humidifier for dry eyes, it will almost certainly not be effective alone. It should be paired with other strategies, such as eye drops or an iLUX2 treatment, which you can explore with the help of an eye doctor.
If you live in southwest Missouri, stop by Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has assisted the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location).