What lifestyle modifications can I suggest to patients with dry eye syndrome to alleviate their symptoms?

For patients with dry eye syndrome, several lifestyle modifications can be recommended to help alleviate their symptoms when managed in primary care ¹.

• Ocular Hygiene: Advise patients on the use of warm compresses, lid hygiene, and lid massage, especially if blepharitis or Meibomian gland dysfunction are present ¹. These practices are supported by various guidelines and expert opinion (Jones, 2017; Akpek, 2019; College of Optometrists, 2022; Milner, 2017).
• Digital Device Use: Patients should be encouraged to modify their use of digital devices ¹. This includes lowering computer screens to below eye level to decrease lid aperture and increasing blink frequency during digital device use and reading ¹.
• Environmental Factors: Advise patients to increase the relative humidity in their environment and to avoid prolonged periods of digital device use or exposure to air conditioning or drafts, if possible ¹. These environmental modifications are supported by international guidelines and expert opinion (Jones, 2017; College of Optometrists, 2022; Akpek, 2019; Milner, 2017).
• Contact Lens Wear: Patients who wear contact lenses should be advised to wear them for shorter periods and to remove them if dry eye symptoms occur ¹. Changing lens type or solution may also be helpful, and patients should seek advice from an optometrist if needed ¹. This recommendation is based on expert opinion (Tong, 2012b).
• General Habits: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol and exposure to cigarette and other smoke ¹.
• Moisture Retention: The use of moisture chamber eyewear, such as wrap-around glasses or specialist goggles, can be recommended to reduce the impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface (Jones, 2017; Milner, 2017).
• Information and Support: Patients should be advised on sources of information and support, such as the joint Royal College of Ophthalmologists and Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) publication 'Understanding dry eye' and the NHS information 'Dry eyes' ¹.
• Pre-surgical Considerations: Patients should be aware that symptoms of dry eye may worsen following keratorefractive surgery, particularly LASIK, and symptoms should be controlled before surgery is considered ¹.

It is also important to advise patients about the chronic nature of dry eye disease, as long-term treatment is usually needed ¹.