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1. Some common-sense solutions for keeping eyes moist

   All moisture tends to evaporate when exposed to air and certain climate conditions. To preserve as much of your eyes' natural moisture as possible, the Mayo Clinics suggests that you slow evaporation with these simple precautions:

   • Don't direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward your eyes.

   • Wear glasses on windy days and goggles while swimming.

   • Keep your home humidity between 30 percent and 50 percent. In winter a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air.

   • Remember to blink. Consciously blinking repeatedly helps spread your own tears more evenly.

2. Take an inventory of the medicines you take

   Some medications, even those that you buy without a prescription, can make your eyes feel dryer. Culprits include antihistamines, nasal decongestants, tranquilizers, and anti-depressant drugs. People with dry eye should let their health care providers know all the medications they are taking, since some of them may intensify dry eye symptoms.

3. Don't forget to blink.

   Americans are spending more and more time in front of their computer screens, staring intently into the monitor. With so much information so readily available, we sometimes simply can't tare away from it all. Don't become blindly absorbed. Take time to blink. Try to remember to blink once every five to six seconds.

4. Pay attention to your diet.

   It's important not only to keep your eyes lubricated, but your body as well. Certain foods and drinks dehydrate your body-and your eyes. Chocolate, colas, coffee and tea all contain caffeine, which robs your body of moisture. To keep fluids flowing, drink plenty of water (eight 8-ounce glasses daily, if possible).

5. Practice good eye care habits.

   Practicing good eye care habits helps not only with dry eye, but your overall eye health. Some things to do: wear sunglasses with maximum ultraviolet protection (block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B); eat a low-fat diet that includes at least five fruits and vegetables; wear proper eye safety equipment when doing eye hazardous activities at work and home or when participating in eye hazardous sports.