The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The Regional Committee for Medical & Health Research Ethics (REC), Section C, South East Norway, approved the study (reference: 2014/1983). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Study design and patients

Matsumoto, Y. et al. Efficacy of a new warm moist air device on tear functions of patients with simple meibomian gland dysfunction. Cornea 25(6), 644–650 (2006).

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As inflammation is a known part of dry eye, an anti-inflammatory diet may be worth recommending to patients in search of alternative dry eye remedies. 28 Fresh food with few additives as described in the mayo Clinic diet may make a difference to joints and the eyes. Also, those who use a continuous positive airway pressure machine for obstructive sleep apnea may experience worse dry eye in the morning, as air can leak from the mask directly onto the ocular surface. These patients can use goggles to protect the eyes overnight and minimize ocular involvement.

Oral supplements. For years we have prescribed omega-3 fatty acids (FA) for MGD and dry eye. Recently, the DREAM study has changed how we see this practice. 15 Basically, the study demonstrated that the particular FA supplements used in the well-designed trial did not help MGD any more than the sham pills that contained small amounts of olive oil determined to be easily met by most North American diets. With the heart community also finding little benefit to omega-3 supplements, many practitioners are discontinuing that recommendation. 16 Patients probably won’t complain, considering the high cost of these supplements. Dry eye disease requires a concerted effort on the patient’s part to modify their external and internal environment to help encourage ocular health. It also requires regular use of lubricants and lid care. Optometrists serve their patients well if they diagnose, and then educate them about the type and degree of dry eye that is present. Time spent explaining the options for treatments that include less expensive forms, is time well spent to improve patient outcomes. Bradley, J. L. et al. Dry eye disease ranking among common reasons for seeking eye care in a large US claims database. Clin. Ophthalmol. 13, 225–232 (2019). Schaumberg, D. A. et al. The international workshop on meibomian gland dysfunction: Report of the subcommittee on the epidemiology of, and associated risk factors for MGD. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 52(4), 1994–2005 (2011).The epidemiology of dry eye disease. Report of the Epidemiology Subcommittee of the International Dry Eye WorkShop (2007). Ocul. Surf. 5(2), 93–107 (2007).

Sung S, Wang MTM, Lee SH, et al. Randomized double-masked trial of eyelid cleansing treatments for blepharitis. The Ocular Surface. 2018;16:77-83.Take breaks if on a screen for a prolonged period of time. The 20/20/20 rule is a great, easy-to-remember, tip.” Dry eyes can strike seemingly out of nowhere, from something as routine as staring at your computer screen for too long or taking a red-eye flight. Even something as simple as the weather or air conditioning can lead to dry eyes that burn and sting, which, in addition to being uncomfortable, is just plain annoying. While eye drops are definitely a must-have, you can also help your eyes recuperate with one of the best eye masks for dry eyes. To find out more, Elite Daily spoke with Dr. Jen Wademan, an optometrist at Bidwell Optometry in Folsom, CA. What Are The Best Eye Masks For Dry Eyes? Even when applied properly, makeup debris can migrate to the lid and conjunctiva, contributing to dry eye symptoms. Photo: Leslie O’Dell, OD Jaeschke, R., Singer, J. & Guyatt, G. H. Measurement of health status: Ascertaining the minimal clinically important difference. Control Clin. Trials 10(4), 407–415 (1989).