Eye Doctor Reveals Simple Makeup Habit That Prevents Dry Eyes
More than 16 million Americans suffer from dry, itchy eyes, but an eye doctor says one overlooked nighttime habit could make all the difference. The solution is simpler than you might think.
If you've ever felt that gritty, uncomfortable sensation in your eyes that won't go away, you're far from alone. More than 16 million Americans deal with dry eye, and the condition becomes more common as we age.
But Dr. Mina Massaro-Giordano, director of Dry Eye Service at NYU Langone Health, has good news. There's one surprisingly simple habit that can help prevent the problem, and it's something most of us overlook every single night.
The answer? Completely removing all your eye makeup before bed. "It can create an irritant if you don't," Dr. Massaro-Giordano explains.
When makeup stays on your lash line overnight, it builds up and interferes with your natural tear film, the protective layer that keeps your eyes comfortable. After removing makeup, she recommends gently applying a warm compress to your lash line to help liquify the oils in your meibomian glands, which improves tear film stability.
Beyond proper makeup removal, Dr. Massaro-Giordano suggests running a humidifier in your bedroom at night, especially when the air feels dry. This simple step keeps your eyes from drying out while you sleep.
She also champions the 20-20-20 rule for anyone who spends long hours staring at screens. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This forces you to blink more, creating a naturally lubricated eye surface.
Other helpful habits include adjusting air vents in cars and planes so they don't blow directly at your face, staying well hydrated throughout the day, and wearing sunglasses to protect against wind and UV rays.
The Bright Side
The silver lining in the dry eye story? Most cases can be prevented with simple daily habits that take just minutes. These small adjustments add up to real comfort and better eye health over time.
If you do develop symptoms like scratchy, burning eyes, redness, light sensitivity, or blurry vision, seeing an eye doctor is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your future self will thank you for taking action now.
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Based on reporting by Womens Health
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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