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Advances in Mental Health

The mental health field used to consist of hiding people away in institutions and in dangerous and cruel treatments that caused pain and sometimes death. Today's mental health care field is very different. Patients are being offered a many faceted approach to their mental health challenges and are being encouraged to pursue psychotherapy as well as medication. Drugs that treat problems like anxiety and depression are constantly becoming more effective and less harmful. Many patients can now handle mental illness while living a full and productive life. I am one of these people, and I want others to better understand the world of mental health and to truly appreciate the great advances that are being made.

 

Advances in Mental Health

5 Helpful Tips For Preventing Dry Eyes

14 January 2015
 Categories: , Blog

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If you are not producing an adequate amount of tears, you could develop dry eyes. This condition can feel very uncomfortable and can lead to eye fatigue, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light and eye redness. If you avoid certain situations, you will be less likely to experience dry eyes. Here are five helpful tips for preventing dry eyes.

Stop Smoking

If you need another reason to quit smoking, know that tobacco can irritate your eyes and dry them out. Quitting the habit can help you reduce the risk of developing dry eyes in the future. You should stay away from places people smoke because secondhand smoke can also cause dry eye syndrome.

Use a Humidifier

Dry air during the wintertime can dry out your eyes, so think about putting a humidifier in your home. A humidifier will add a lot of moisture to the air and reduce your risk of developing dry eyes. If you do not have a humidifier, try putting a bowl of water on your radiator.

Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet

Omega-3 fatty acids can do a lot more than benefit your heart and give you soft skin. If you include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, you can reduce your risk of dry eyes. These fatty acids will reduce inflammation in your eyes and keep them in good shape. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, walnuts, tuna and dark green vegetables. 

Do not Stare at the Computer Screen Too Long

Staring at a computer screen too long can reduce the amount of times you blink, which can cause dry eyes. If your job requires you to be in front of the computer all day, you should at least look away from the screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Limit Air Movement

If you want to avoid dry eyes, you should try to limit air movement as much as possible. When fans, wind and even blow dryers come in contact with your eyes, they can dry them out. If you have to go outdoors during a windy day, you should put sunglasses on to prevent the wind from blowing in your eyes.

Following these helpful tips can help you avoid dry eyes in the future. However, if you are still experiencing dry eyes, you should see your eye doctor. Your eye doctor can examine your eyes and determine the best possible treatment plan.