How to Relieve Dry Eyes: 5 Doctor-Recommended Daily Habits That Actually Work
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Dry eye is becoming a major concern for millions - and the numbers keep climbing. Between 2000 and 2025, cases of dry eye disease have increased more than tenfold. Why? Because dry eye is a multifactorial disease, meaning it has several root causes. The biggest contributors include:
- Environmental factors (like air conditioning, heating, and wildfire smoke)
- 21st century medicine (from LASIK surgery to medications like Accutane)
- Aging (especially hormonal changes around menopause)
- Screen time (which drastically reduces your blink rate)
So, how can you relieve dry eye or stop it from getting worse? Start by tackling these underlying causes with a few daily habits. Here are the top five ways to fight dry eye and protect your eye health starting today.
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Eyelid Hygiene: Cleanse Like You Mean It: Splashing water on your face isn’t eyelid hygiene. Just like you wouldn’t swish water instead of brushing your teeth, your eyelids need more than a rinse. Proper eyelid care means cleansing the lash line with the right ingredients every day. We recommend using a cleanser that contains hypochlorous acid or tea tree oil, both of which help eliminate debris, bacteria, and demodex mites (a common cause of inflammation). Gently massage the cleanser into the lids and lashes - this process is called peeqing. It’s simple, effective, and essential for maintaining eye comfort.
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Control Your Environment: Dry air, ceiling fans, and digital screens can all trigger dry eye symptoms. Take a few minutes to assess your surroundings:
- Are you sitting under a vent or fan?
- Are your screens positioned to minimize glare and eye strain?
- Do you blink enough during the day?
- Apply Heat Daily: Warm compresses are one of the most recommended at-home remedies for dry eye. Heat loosens up the thickened oils and biofilm in your eyelid glands, helping your tears spread more evenly across the eye surface. Many eye doctors suggest starting with warmth before introducing vibration or eyelid cleansing. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference - especially when done consistently. Two fish oil products we recommend are MacuHealth - Omega 3 (2450mg) and Nordic Naturals ProOmega 2000 (2150mg).
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Good Oils: Improve Your Oil Quality with Omega-3s: The goal of eyelid hygiene and warm compresses is to improve the flow of healthy oils from your glands. But oil quality matters, too. Adding a high-dose Omega-3 supplement can significantly improve the composition of your natural tear film. Again, the recommended dose is significantly more than you will find without specifically looking for a Fish Oil supplement. Again, the recommended dose is significantly more than you will find without specifically looking for a Fish Oil supplement.
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Use a High-Quality Eye Drop: If you’re still experiencing dryness after following the first four steps, a good lubricating eye drop can help. We’ve written extensively about which drops are best for different situations, but our top recommendations include:
Choose a preservative-free formula when possible, especially if you’re using drops multiple times per day.
Relieving dry eye isn’t just about finding a quick fix, it’s about building a daily routine. Just like brushing your teeth, caring for your eyelids and eye health should be a non-negotiable part of your day.
Applying these 5 strategies to your daily life and staying consistent with your eye care routine will put you well on your way to clearer, more comfortable vision.