What are the self-treatment methods for dry eye syndrome?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, self-management of dry eye syndrome mainly includes adjusting eye-use habits, improving environmental humidity, applying warm compresses and massage to the eyes, using artificial tears appropriately, and modifying dietary patterns. Additionally, patients should avoid frequent eye rubbing to prevent damage to the ocular surface epithelium. If symptoms do not improve after self-treatment, or if vision declines or eye pain worsens, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Generally, self-management methods for dry eye syndrome mainly include adjusting eye usage habits, improving environmental humidity, performing warm compresses and massages on the eyes, using artificial tears appropriately, and modifying dietary patterns. The details are as follows:
1. Adjust Eye Usage Habits
Prolonged close-up visual tasks can accelerate tear evaporation and worsen dry eye symptoms. It is recommended to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds to allow the eyes to rest fully. Avoid prolonged reading on mobile devices and minimize electronic device use in dark rooms at night to reduce ocular surface irritation.
2. Improve Environmental Humidity
Dry environments increase tear evaporation. Using a humidifier indoors to maintain relative humidity between 40% and 60% can help. Avoid staying in areas with direct airflow from air conditioners or heaters. During winter heating, avoid directing warm air toward the face. Wear wind-protective goggles when outdoors in windy or sandy conditions to reduce environmental irritation to the ocular surface.
3. Warm Compresses and Eye Massage
Apply a warm towel at around 40°C to the eyes for 10–15 minutes daily to promote blood circulation and soften meibomian gland secretions. After the warm compress, gently massage along the eyelid margins using the index finger pad, moving from the inner corner of the eye toward the temple. This helps express oils from the meibomian glands, improves tear film stability, and relieves symptoms such as dryness and foreign body sensation.
4. Appropriate Use of Artificial Tears
Artificial tears help replenish moisture on the ocular surface and relieve dryness and discomfort. Patients may use sodium hyaluronate eye drops, polyethylene glycol eye drops, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops, carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops, or polyvinyl alcohol eye drops under medical guidance. Preservative-free single-dose formulations are preferable for long-term use to maintain a moist ocular surface.
5. Adjust Diet
Incorporate foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids into the diet, such as deep-sea fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids can improve meibomian gland function and reduce tear evaporation. Additionally, consume more foods rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, such as carrots, spinach, and oranges, to provide essential nutrients for ocular surface tissue repair and support symptom relief.
In addition, patients should avoid frequent eye rubbing to prevent damage to the ocular surface epithelium. If symptoms do not improve with self-care measures, or if vision declines or eye pain intensifies, prompt medical attention is necessary. Dry eye management requires long-term commitment, and proper self-care can significantly enhance eye comfort and protect ocular surface health.
