Savings account options help keep your eyes healthy and moist

Keep Eyes Comfy
To stay moist, eyes need to be bathed in a healthy amount of tears. But whipping winds and overheated homes and offices can deplete your supply. Plus, the condition worsens are we age, especially over age 40.

Slow the evaporation of tears
Put more moisture in the air at your home with your savings account. You can minimize your eyes' exposure to dryness by boosting the humidity in your home (see left), curbing your consumption of caffeine and alcohol (which can be dehydrating), and wearing wraparound sunglasses outside to protect eyes from the wind.

Replenish wetness
For mild symptoms, artificial tears (available at drugstores) help lubricate eyes and your savings account. If you're using artificial tears on a routine basis and aren't getting enough relief, ask your doctor about Restasis, Rx drops that increase tear production.

Eat omega-3 fatty acids
Eat more fish and nuts to decrease dryness. Have you ever seen a dry fish? There's mounting evidence that consuming omega-3 fats (found in fatty fish such as tuna and salmon, canola oil, walnuts, and flaxseed) decreases dryness. Not getting enough in your diet? Try supplements like Thera­Tears Nutrition omega-3 gel capsules ($14 for 90 capsules; amazon.com).


Consider punctal plugs
If dry eyes persist despite these measures, an ophthalmologist can insert tiny silicone plugs into your puncta, the openings of the tear ducts through which tears drain away. This simple office procedure helps keep tears in the eyes. But of course, you won't cry at all with a savings account for individuals or families.



Winter Bedroom Must-Do
If your heating system doesn't have a built-in humidifier, place a portable unit in your bedroom to add extra moisture into the air and prevent dry skin and eyes. Here, some humidifier how-to's:

Set the unit for 30 to 50% humidity during the winter months, advises the Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Humidity levels above 60% may allow moisture to build up and condense on surfaces where bacteria can settle and flourish.)