As someone who has worn contacts for nearly 25 years, I know what dry eyes feel like. When I reach the end of a long day and my eyes feel like sandpaper from endlessly staring at screens, I can’t wait to take my lenses out and fill my eyes with drops. Ah, instant refreshment. If you’re someone who experiences dry eyes, you can relate. And even if you’re not, keeping your eyes hydrated, especially before bed, is great for eye health. I’ve made it part of my nightly routine to use eye drops after taking out my contacts, and my eyes feel so much better as I try to relax for bed. Another eye concern on my list is redness. When I first discovered LUMIFY years ago (more on that below), it was like seeing a new version of myself in the mirror. Obsessed! Here, we share our favorite products to safely refresh and brighten your eyes, from drops to masks and everything in between.
Featured Experts
- Jennifer Tsai, OD is a board-certified optometrist
- Jovi S. Boparai, MD is a board-certified ophthalmic surgeon and CEO of CorneaCare
Why Do We Get Dry Eyes?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), where you live may cause your eyes to be drier. “For example, people who live in major cities with high levels of air pollution may be more likely than those in areas with less air pollution to suffer dry eye symptoms. A study of U.S. military veterans found that people in and around Chicago and New York City were three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eye syndrome compared to people in areas with relatively little air pollution. The same study also showed that people who live in higher-altitude zip codes, where the air is typically drier, are 13 percent more likely to develop dry eye than people at lower altitudes.”
No surprise here: Working at a computer can also cause dry eyes. Reading, watching TV and driving for long periods (especially if air vents are aimed at your face) are also culprits. The AAO says that when you do these activities, you don’t blink as much as you would normally. Therefore, you should take breaks to give your eyes time to rest. Or, follow the 20-20-20 rule, which is recommended by many eye doctors and also helps prevent eye strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your work or activity to look at something that’s at least 20 feet away. This helps relax the muscles in the eyes that are responsible for focusing. It also naturally makes you blink as your eyes refocus, and blinking lubricates your eyes. Having a humidifier on or close to your workspace can help as well.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
If you’re someone who consistently has dry eyes, you may have dry eye disease. “Dry eye disease (DED), also called dry eye syndrome, is a chronic condition caused by unstable tears and inflammation, and leads to symptoms such as redness, burning, irritation, gritty sensation and blurry vision,” explains Dr. Boparai, noting that DED is treatable. “It affects 300 million people worldwide, and can impact you on multiple levels. In fact, one in every three eye care clinic visits is related to symptoms of dry eyes. Once you have DED, your symptoms may come and go, but you will typically have it for the rest of your life.”
Wearing contacts is a common cause of DED, Dr. Boparai continues. “This is because contact lenses may directly lead to changes on the cornea or decrease the sensitivity of the cornea, leading to symptoms of chronic dry eye. Eye surgery, specifically refractive surgery (LASIK), and preexisting eye conditions, such as corneal diseases and glaucoma, are also risk factors for DED.” A qualified eye doctor can diagnose this condition and help you take steps to treat it, which may involve a combination of the products below.
What Causes Redness in Your Eyes?
Occasional redness in the eyes (aka “blood shot” eyes) is very common. “Nearly everyone experiences red eyes from time to time,” says Dr. Tsai. “Red eyes are a common and usually temporary condition caused by the dilation of superficial blood vessels on the surface of the eye. When irritation triggers these vessels to expand, the white part of the eye—the sclera—can appear pink or red. Common causes include environmental allergens, prolonged screen use, lack of sleep, or exposure to dry or dusty conditions. For redness caused by these everyday irritants, over-the-counter redness-relieving drops like LUMIFY may help reduce the appearance of red eyes.” If you are experiencing redness from an injury or it is accompanied by pain, it’s best to see your doctor.
Our Favorite Products to Relieve Dry Eyes and Redness
