The Reason You Should be Embracing Dry January for Your Dry Eye Disease 

When it comes to Dry Eye Disease, many people suffer from the condition but don’t know how to alleviate the symptoms.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many things you can do to avoid the tired, itchy feeling – including lifestyle changes.

While eye drops and dedication can help improve the symptoms of the condition and repair damage to the eyes that can aggravate Dry Eye Disease, lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that cause your discomfort. 

One of the largest triggers of many conditions that you might not consider is alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and there’s evidence that a reduction of your alcohol consumption can actually help reduce symptoms of dry eye. 

This January, like the last few years, a national campaign in the UK is taking place to help reduce drinking and aid people in quitting for good. 

Here’s why you should consider taking on Dry January for your Dry Eye Disease. 

A closeup shot of an eye

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which the healthy tear film of your eyes becomes disrupted and damaged, causing symptoms such as: 

Itching 
Burning
A feeling of grit or sand in your eye 
Excessive tear production 
Blurred vision 
Sensitivity to light 
And many others[1]

It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.[2] When you don’t have adequate hydrating tears the eyelid scrapes over the desiccated surface instead of gliding over the smooth film of tears, causing irritation and discomfort.[3] It also risks damaging your eyes permanently. 

There are different forms of Dry Eye Disease including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, Evaporative Dry Eye where your tears evaporate too quickly, and Mixed Dry Eye where patients suffer from both.[4]

There’s no definite cause of Dry Eye as it can be a symptom of many other illnesses, a side effect of medication, or can be related to environmental or lifestyle changes. However, it is very common with up to 32.1% of the UK population reporting the condition.[5] 

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

Drinking alcohol has many effects on your body. Studies show a high correlation between alcohol use and symptomatic Dry Eye, especially in females.[6]  It can stimulate your appetite, widen blood vessels, impact your behaviour and brain function, and increase urine production.[7] This is part of the reason you can become thirsty and dehydrated when you consume alcohol.

A lack of hydration has been linked to Dry Eye Disease with experts suggesting increased water intake for sufferers of Dry Eye Disease as drinking more water can help you produce a healthy volume of tears and ensure healthy lacrimal glands.[8]

Furthermore, alcohol use has been linked to premature ageing. Ageing has been known as a factor in the development of Dry Eye Disease and other eye conditions such as cataract formation and macular degeneration.[9] 

Alcohol intake can also increase the sugar level in your blood, causing your eye lenses to swell and resulting in blurring vision, itchy and irritated eyes.[10] While your blood sugar levels will revert within 24 hours of drinking, the symptoms of Dry Eyes may not fade until a week after your alcohol intake. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January was founded by Alcohol Change UK in an effort to aid the UK population to give up or reduce their intake of alcohol for the entire month of January.[11]

There’s a variety of reasons people may choose to partake in the campaign – with 86% of participants saving money and 70% of participants claiming they experienced better sleep.[12] 

Joining Dry January and committing to not drinking for the month can drastically improve your Dry Eye symptoms in the long run and help you build better habits for your overall eye health. 

Damp January 

If completely abstaining from alcohol for January seems like too big of a challenge or you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, you can consider attempting damp January instead. It follows a more moderate approach to drinking, allowing the occasionally mindfully chosen drink.[13] In combination with extra hydration and other lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without triggering intense Dry Eye symptoms. 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Alongside reducing alcohol consumption, there are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and fight your Dry Eye Disease. 

Getting enough sleep (around 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended).

Limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens. Using the 20:20:20 rule is ideal, especially when you work in an office.

Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.

Speaking to your doctor about prescription medicines that can help deal with serious Dry Eye Disease.

Implement a three-step daily routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and cared for with products like Naviblef® Daily Care.

Soothe irritation, pain, and burning with eye drops like VisuXL®

If you’d like to find more Dry Eye treatment options, explore VISUshop now. 

While Dry Eye Disease can be uncomfortable, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Get the help you need today and try Dry January. 

References

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The Reason You Should be Embracing Dry January for Your Dry Eye Disease

What is Dry Eye Disease?

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

What is Dry January?

Damp January

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms

References

The Reason You Should be Embracing Dry January for Your Dry Eye Disease 

Damp January 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 