Preventing Sore EyesWhat are the best steps to take to prevent your eyes from becoming sore? That depends on what is causing the problem. As we discussed previously, this symptom can be caused by any of a number of factors,and the correct remedy varies from one to the next.How to Prevent Sore Eyes Caused by CosmeticsIf you have had symptoms of sore eyes, and you have been using any cosmetics that are applied to your eyes or in the area of your eye, it is best to discontinue using these products and discard them.Certain eye make-up products—eyeliner pencils, for example—can become breeding grounds for bacteria over time. Continuing to use these products can lead toeye infectionsand other problems, and these problems can in turn cause sore eyes.Purchase new cosmetics and wait until the condition caused by them has been treated successfully before resuming use.How to Prevent Sore Eyes Caused by Medications or Eye DropsYour doctor will probably mention this to you, but be careful that the tips ofeye dropapplicators or tubes of ointment do not touch your eyes or eyelashes while you are using them. This goes for all types of eye drops and ointments, not just the one your doctor prescribes to you. The reason for this is essentially the same as the reason for caution with eye make-up, as discussed in the previous section: bacteria can grow on devices that are used on the body in the ways that make-up or eye-drop applicators are used, and this can lead to infection, a common cause of sore eyes.How to Prevent Sore Eyes Caused by Infections or Contagious DiseasesIf someone close to you has an infection of any kind (not necessarily just an eye infection), make sure to disinfect and wash all surfaces, clothes, towels, pillowcases, and anything else that may have come into contact with that person. Disinfect surfaces, especially common ones such as doorknobs and counters, with diluted bleach solutions. Bleach kills germs.If you have other symptoms, it is best to stay away from others to prevent the spread of infection until the symptoms are relieved and treatment is successful.How to Prevent Sore Eyes Caused by Reading or Computer UseReading for long periods in dim light is one common cause of sore eyes, and staring at a computer monitor for too long is another. In bothcases, the problems areeyestrainandeye fatigue. If you are curled up n the couch with a good book, make sure you have adequate reading light—preferably a 60- to 70-watt bulb.If you work in front of a computer all day, try to remember to take “eye breaks” every hour in order to avoid computer vision syndrome. Spend at least a minute or two each hour looking away from your computer monitor—if possible focusing your gaze on a point twenty to a hundredfeet away.How to Prevent Sore Eyes Caused by AllergiesIf you have seasonal allergies, you may find yourself battlingred,itchy, sore eyes every spring and/or fall. Take over-the-counter antihistamines to prevent these attacks, or ask your doctor if he or shecan prescribe anything stronger for you to take. Keep your doors and windows shut as much as possible at these times of year.How to Prevent Sore Eyes Caused by Sun ExposureThis should be self-evident, but it is worth mentioning here nonetheless: if you go out in the sun during the day, be sure to wear adequate eye protection. Choose sunglasses that block the sun’s harmful UV rays, and wear a hat or visor to shield your eyes. This is especially important if you suffer from extremelight sensitivity.Prevent Sore Eyes by Taking Care of Your HealthEat a well balanced diet to ensure that the rest of your body receives enough nutrients to function correctly. Drink plenty of water, as this can help to reduce inflammation. Try your best to get plenty of sleep so your eyes and body are not tired the next day.
