Lifestyle & Home Care

Lifestyle Changes & Home Remedies

Simple, effective strategies you can implement today to reduce dry eye symptoms and improve your comfort—no prescription required.

The Power of Lifestyle Modifications

While medical treatments are important for managing dry eye disease, lifestyle modifications and home remedies form the foundation of effective dry eye management. Many patients find significant relief by making simple changes to their daily routines and environment.

The key is consistency—these strategies work best when incorporated into your daily life as permanent habits rather than occasional interventions. Most people notice improvement within 2-4 weeks of implementing these changes.

Environmental Modifications

Use a Humidifier
Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent tear evaporation

Action Step: Place humidifiers in bedroom and workspace

Avoid Direct Air Flow
Position yourself away from fans, vents, and air conditioning

Action Step: Redirect air vents away from your face

Wear Wraparound Sunglasses
Protect eyes from wind, sun, and dry air outdoors

Action Step: Choose glasses with side shields

Control Indoor Temperature
Avoid overheating rooms which increases tear evaporation

Action Step: Keep temperature moderate (68-72°F)

Screen Time & Digital Habits

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

Action Step: Set timer reminders on your device

Blink Consciously
We blink 66% less when using screens—make an effort to blink fully

Action Step: Post reminder notes near your screen

Position Screens Correctly
Keep screens slightly below eye level to reduce eye opening

Action Step: Adjust monitor height and tilt

Use Computer Glasses
Special lenses reduce eye strain and may include moisture chambers

Action Step: Ask your optometrist about computer glasses

Daily Eye Care Routine

Warm Compress Therapy
Apply warm compress for 10 minutes twice daily to unclog oil glands

Action Step: Use OPTASE Moist Heat Mask or warm washcloth

Eyelid Hygiene
Clean eyelids daily to remove debris and reduce inflammation

Action Step: Use OPTASE lid wipes or gentle cleanser

Artificial Tears
Use preservative-free drops 4-6 times daily as needed

Action Step: Keep drops at desk, in car, and by bedside

Nighttime Protection
Use ointment or gel at bedtime for overnight moisture

Action Step: Apply OPTASE Night Eye Ointment before sleep

Nutrition & Hydration

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Reduce inflammation and improve tear quality

Action Step: Eat fatty fish 2-3x/week or take supplements

Stay Hydrated
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily for optimal tear production

Action Step: Carry water bottle and set hydration reminders

Limit Caffeine & Alcohol
Both can contribute to dehydration and dry eyes

Action Step: Moderate intake and increase water consumption

Consider Supplements
Omega-3, vitamin A, and vitamin D support eye health

Action Step: Consult doctor about appropriate supplements

Daily Dry Eye Care Checklist

Morning Routine

  • ☑Clean eyelids with lid wipes
  • ☑Apply warm compress for 10 minutes
  • ☑Use artificial tears
  • ☑Take omega-3 supplement with breakfast

Throughout the Day

  • ☑Follow 20-20-20 rule during screen time
  • ☑Use artificial tears every 2-3 hours
  • ☑Drink water regularly (8-10 glasses)
  • ☑Wear sunglasses outdoors

Evening Routine

  • ☑Remove eye makeup gently
  • ☑Apply warm compress for 10 minutes
  • ☑Clean eyelids before bed
  • ☑Apply nighttime ointment or gel

Environment

  • ☑Run humidifier (30-50% humidity)
  • ☑Keep air vents directed away
  • ☑Position screens below eye level
  • ☑Maintain comfortable room temperature

Shop Home Care Products

Browse our selection of OPTASE® products designed to support your home care routine—from warm compresses and lid wipes to preservative-free drops and nighttime ointments.

Need Personalized Guidance?

Our dry eye specialists can create a customized treatment plan combining lifestyle modifications with professional treatments for optimal results.