Dry eye treatment doesn't have to be complicated when you understand the habits sabotaging your progress. In this episode of the Dr. Eye Health podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen reveals seven common mistakes that worsen dry eye disease and prevent healing—even when you're using eye drops regularly. From digital eye strain and screen time to neglecting eyelid hygiene and choosing the wrong artificial tears, these overlooked factors could be the reason your eyes aren't improving. Discover practical, evidence-based solutions for managing environmental triggers, improving tear film quality, and finally getting relief from chronic irritation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How excessive screen time disrupts your blinking patterns and accelerates tear film evaporation, plus strategies to reduce digital eye strain

✅ Why using the wrong eye drops with harsh preservatives like BAK can make dry eyes worse

✅ The critical role of eyelid hygiene in preventing blepharitis and inflammation that blocks oil glands and worsens dry eye symptoms

✅ How environmental factors, autoimmune conditions, diet, and even sleeping with eyes partially open contribute to chronic dry eye disease

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Seven bad habits that worsen dry eye disease despite using eye drops and treatments

(00:57) Excessive screen time reduces blinking frequency and causes incomplete blinks, accelerating tear film evaporation

(01:44) Environmental factors like air conditioning contribute to dry eyes, as well as a lack of eyelid hygiene and cleaning eyelashes, which prevents blepharitis

(03:45) Avoiding harmful eye drops with BAK preservatives and choosing preservative-free artificial tears, and sleeping with eyes partially open

(05:31) Not managing other health conditions and eating food and drink that cause inflammation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Sleeping with eyes partially open causes chronic overnight exposure that prevents corneal healing—Use nighttime ointments, sleep masks, or eyelid tape for protection

💎 "Get the red out" drops containing vasoconstrictors create a rebound effect, making redness and irritation worse over time

💎 Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes, rosacea, and hormone issues is essential, as these trigger inflammatory flare-ups that worsen dry eye symptoms

ABOUT THE GUEST:

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: Doctor Eye Health

YouTube: Doctor Eye Health

Instagram: @doctoreyehealth

TikTok: Doctor Eye Health

Facebook: Doctor Eye Health

LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen

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