Our eyes need tears to stay healthy and comfortable. Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears. When you blink, a film of tears spreads over the eye. This keeps the eye’s surface smooth and clear. The tear film is important for good vision.
There are several simple ways to treat dry eyes. These include:
1.Warm Compress
Applying a moist, warm compress to your eyes can help your eyelids produce more lipids, which can boost tear quality and relieve some dry eye symptoms. Soak a lint-free cloth with warm water, wring it out and hold it over your eyes for no more than ten minutes. If the compress gets cool, rewet it with more warm water. When you’re done, give your eyes a quick rinse with lukewarm water. Do this twice a day for several days until your eyes feel better.
2.Omega-3 Oils
A lack of essential fatty acids in your diet can cause dry eyes. Studies show eating omega-3 fatty acids may stimulate tear production and create quality tears that lubricate your eyes more effectively. Many people get dry eye relief by supplementing their diet with omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in foods like salmon, sardines, anchovies, and flax seeds. You can also take fish oil capsules or other omega-3 supplements.
3.Eyelid Wash
Another common natural treatment for dry eyes is to use mild or baby shampoo to wash your eyelids and eyelashes. There are also over-the-counter eyelid and eyelash washes to clean these areas.
This can help to keep your eyes cleaner and remove crust from your eyelids and eyelashes. The practice may reduce inflammation. However, it is not likely to cure your dry eyes.
Frequent eye washing can be a great form of preventative medicine though, helping to keep your eyes clean and functioning properly. Eye washes can keep your tear ducts and eyelids from getting blocked as easily. If this is what is causing your dry eyes, these washes can be a home remedy to treat the issue.
4.Castor Oil
Castor oil is derived by pressing the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), and it contains high levels of ricinoleic acid. This imparts naturally lubricating properties to it. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves the burning and itching associated with dry eyes. Put a drop or two of a 100% organic castor oil in each eye. Do this 2-3 times daily.
5.Onion Glasses
Originally created for cooks, these goggle-type devices are designed to keep eyes from tearing up while chopping onions. They have since been discovered by the dry eye community, and they are often recommended by eye-care professionals as a low-cost moisture chamber that can also keep irritating pollutants away from your eyes.
6.Aloe Vera
The benefits of aloe vera are no secret. Aloe vera contains bioactive compounds like ethanol and ethyl acetate that exhibit anti-inflammatory and healing properties.These properties can prove to be quite helpful in treating dry eye and its symptoms. In addition to this, aloe vera is also a natural antioxidant that can protect your eyes from free radical damage. Take a little aloe vera gel and apply it to your eyelids. Do this 2 times daily.
7.Eye Drops
If you suffer from dry eyes, one of the most common remedies is to use some form of eye drops, often in the form of artificial tears.
There are both over-the-counter and prescription medicated eye drops designed to manage dry eyes. If you suffer from chronic dry eyes because your eyes are not making enough tears on their own, this can be helpful. You may need to administer drops several times a day to keep your eyes moist.
8.Olive Oil
Olive oil contains fatty acids, like oleic acid and linoleic acid . It also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it may help in lubricating and replenishing the lost moisture in your eyes and reduce irritation and inflammation.
Take a few drops of virgin olive oil on your fingertips.Massage it gently on your closed eyelids and cover them with your hands for a couple of minutes.Do not wash off the oil. Allow it to be absorbed by your skin naturally.You can repeat this process 2-3 times daily.
9.Blink Regularly
Spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen? This tip goes double for you. Healthy people blink about 10 to 15 times a minute, but that average can drop by half or more if you’re staring at a screen.
10.Honey
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can help treat dry eyes and also prevent further infection. Add a tablespoon of 100% organic water to half a cup of preboiled and cooled water.Mix well and put 1-2 drops of this solution into your eyes.You can do this 2-3 times daily.
11.Vitamins And Nutrients
Dry eye syndrome can also be a result of any vitamin deficiency. Studies have proved that the deficiency of vitamins D, B12, and A is related to the development of this condition. Hence, include foods rich in these vitamins in your diet. Foods like egg yolks, orange juice, cereals, orange juice, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and butter are rich sources of vitamins D and A.
12.Cucumber
Cucumbers are widely used for treating dry eyes. They are rich in water that helps soothe your eyes.They also contain vitamin A, the topical application of which is a proven remedy for dry eyes. Cut a chilled cucumber into round slices.Place them on closed eyes for immediate relief.You can do this 2-3 times daily to relax and soothe your eyes.
