What lifestyle modifications can I suggest to patients with dry eye syndrome to alleviate their symptoms?

For patients with dry eye syndrome, several lifestyle modifications can be recommended to help alleviate their symptoms when managed in primary care NICE CKS.

• Ocular Hygiene: Advise patients on the use of warm compresses, lid hygiene, and lid massage, especially if blepharitis or Meibomian gland dysfunction are present NICE CKS. These practices are supported by various guidelines and expert opinion Jones 2017Akpek 2019College of Optometrists 2022Milner 2017.
• Digital Device Use: Patients should be encouraged to modify their use of digital devices NICE CKS. This includes lowering computer screens to below eye level to decrease lid aperture and increasing blink frequency during digital device use and reading NICE CKS.
• Environmental Factors: Advise patients to increase the relative humidity in their environment and to avoid prolonged periods of digital device use or exposure to air conditioning or drafts, if possible NICE CKS. These environmental modifications are supported by international guidelines and expert opinion Jones 2017College of Optometrists 2022Akpek 2019Milner 2017.
• Contact Lens Wear: Patients who wear contact lenses should be advised to wear them for shorter periods and to remove them if dry eye symptoms occur NICE CKS. Changing lens type or solution may also be helpful, and patients should seek advice from an optometrist if needed NICE CKS. This recommendation is based on expert opinion Tong 2012.
• General Habits: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol and exposure to cigarette and other smoke NICE CKS.
• Moisture Retention: The use of moisture chamber eyewear, such as wrap-around glasses or specialist goggles, can be recommended to reduce the impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface Jones 2017Milner 2017.
• Information and Support: Patients should be advised on sources of information and support, such as the joint Royal College of Ophthalmologists and Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) publication 'Understanding dry eye' and the NHS information 'Dry eyes' NICE CKS.
• Pre-surgical Considerations: Patients should be aware that symptoms of dry eye may worsen following keratorefractive surgery, particularly LASIK, and symptoms should be controlled before surgery is considered NICE CKS.

It is also important to advise patients about the chronic nature of dry eye disease, as long-term treatment is usually needed NICE CKS.