If you frequently use digital devices for work or play, you might have dry eye disease (DED). Recent data from Healio reveals that an estimated 150 million Americans are affected by this condition, which isn’t just about dry or irritated eyes. DED can also cause fluctuating vision, eye fatigue, and other symptoms that may impact daily life.
Do you think you might have DED? No worries—there are plenty of ways to relieve it, including a new type of treatment: the dry eye spa! Read on to learn about DED, traditional therapies, and this innovative spa option that can help ease your symptoms.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
DED happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep them lubricated. One major factor is excessive screen time. When you focus on digital screens, you tend to blink less, making your tears evaporate faster and dry your eyes. Contact lens wearers can also experience DED, as lenses restrict oxygen flow, impacting tear production.
Common symptoms include a gritty or dry sensation, burning, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Many people use remedies like computer glasses, eye drops, regular screen breaks, and warm compresses to ease these symptoms.
- Computer Glasses: Computer glasses work by using filters that block blue light, which is emitted by digital displays and is one of the primary reasons why you blink less when looking at screens. Many glasses available online come with these filters as a lens add-on. On FramesDirect, BlueReflect lenses—which provide additional anti-reflective properties to minimize the glare from screens further—are offered in its Premium Lens Package.
- Eye drops: Products like Iridya Drops from NTC are designed for DED. These drops are more viscous, provide longer-lasting moisture, and are preservative-free, making them safe for contact lens wearers.
- The 20-20-20 Rule: This rule involves looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, helping you blink more and relax your eyes.
- Warm Compresses: A warm compress stimulates tear production and oil glands, which helps retain moisture longer.
Enter the Dry Eye Spa
Many regular spas offer eye care benefits through treatments like lymphatic massage, which reduces puffiness and promotes lymphatic drainage. By preventing fluid buildup, these massages can even help protect against glaucoma.
With DED becoming so widespread, some spas now offer specialized dry eye treatments. At a **dry eye spa**, trained professionals assess your condition and create a custom treatment plan based on your symptoms.
For example, at See La Vie Eyecare & Eyewear in Pennsylvania, services include eyelid massages, professional cleansing, tear gland heating, and intense pulsed light therapy. Massages stimulate tear ducts, while heating and cleansing activate oil glands to help your eyes stay naturally moisturized. Some spas also offer pulsed light treatments that can relieve severe cases. Plus, they may provide at-home care options like eye drops, eyelid hygiene products, and Omega-3 supplements to support faster recovery.
Best of all, dry eye spas are often designed with the same ambiance as traditional spas, giving you a space to relax and unwind while receiving targeted care for DED.
Looking for other spa options? Explore our listings on Spas of America to find the perfect fit!
