Holiday Shopping and Dry Eyes
Black Friday is approaching and retailers across the country are preparing for massive crowds of holiday shoppers. I love the sales. Yes, I’m one of those crazy people who will even get out of bed at 3am if it means getting a great bargain!
But, somewhere in between racing around the store filling my cart and standing in line ready to pay for my prizes, something happens that makes my shopping experience a little less pleasurable. I try to blink hard but it makes little difference. I can’t shake it. The problem: dry eyes!
And, it always hits me when I’m shopping.
Millions of people suffer with dry eyes, but for those of us who wear contacts, dry eyes are especially unpleasant. And, even if you rarely experience dry eyes — places like malls and big box stores have a combination of fluorescent lighting and ventilation (blowing out dry air) that finds a way to zap your eyes of their moisture.
Though my glasses are cute, I prefer wearing my contacts to shop. It’s easier to see peripherally. (I have to be able to spy good deals out of the corner of my eye, you know!) So, I talked to my eye doctor about what I can do to keep my eyes (and lenses) moist while I’m helping stimulate the economy. Here are some great suggestions:
Get Some Good Eye Drops
There are several different options available, but pay attention. Some treat problems like allergies or red eyes, and some are specifically for contact wearers called “re-wetting” or lubricating drops. Unless you have allergies or dry/itchy eye problems even when your lenses are out, you’ll probably only need a lubricating drop. Watch out for brands of regular eye drops that are not specifically designed for contact lens wearers.
Blink. Blink. Blink.
When your eyes are scouring the store for a bargain, you are prone to blink less. Force yourself to rest your eyes and intentionally blink!
Eat and Drink Well
To naturally having a good level of moisture in your eyes, you need a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water. Makes sense.
Use Massage
Gently rubbing your upper and lower lids (when your lenses are out) may help stimulate tear production. So, if you take your contacts out at night, try a little eye massage before sleep.
Feel like your dry eye problem still won’t go away? Make an appointment with your optometrist inside an America’s Best store to talk about changing contact lens brands or getting some prescription eye drops.
