10 Easy and Effective Home Remedies for Dry Eyes

Eyes are an extremely precious part of our body. As human beings, we rely heavily on sight, which is why it is so important to maintain the health of our eyes. Sometimes, your eyes may become very sensitive and start to feel itchy and irritated. When this happens, it is very likely that you have developed dry eyes. This is a condition where there is a lack of lubrication in the eye.

Tears consist of oil to provide lubrication, water to keep the eyes moist, mucus that helps spread everything around the eyes evenly and special proteins and antibodies that help in preventing the eye from getting infected. An imbalance in the production and drainage of tears is one of the reasons you may develop dry eyes.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

The first thing to do to keep your eyes healthy and free from dry eyes is to understand the causes of this problem. We have seen that an imbalance in the production and drainage of tears can cause dry eyes, now let’s see the other causes of dry eyes:

• Eye surgery, and hormonal therapy
• Tear film dries out due to the air conditioner, heater and other environmental factors
• Ageing
• Using contact lenses over a long period
• Side effects of drugs like antihistamines
• Diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases
• Eyelids that do not close properly
• Staring at the computer screen for too long

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Now that you know what causes dry eyes, it would also be beneficial to know the signs and symptoms of dry eyes so that you can take the right steps once you notice it. Here are some common signs and symptoms of dry eyes:

• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Red and irritated eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Watering of the eyes
• Dry and sandy feeling in eyes

Simple Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes

Before running out to buy eye drops, you may want to try out something less harmful and more natural instead. Treating dry eyes is simple and can be done at home using a few common ingredients. So if you don’t know how to treat dry eyes at home, here are a few ways to do it:

1. Organic Honey

Organic honey has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is well suited for treating dry eyes. It also prevents infections and increases lubrication.

What You Will Need:

• ½ cup boiled and cooled water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Cotton pads

What To Do:

• Add the honey to water.
• Mix everything well.
• Soak the cotton pads in the solution and place over eyes for five minutes.
• This can be done twice or thrice a day.

2. Green Tea Extract

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the compound in green tea that makes it great for treating dry eyes. It acts as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and helps to prevent eye infections.

What You Will Need:

• 1 green tea bag
• 1 cup hot water
• Cotton pads

What To Do:

• Place the green tea bags in a cup of hot water.
• Allow them to soak for ten minutes.
• Once they have cooled, dip cotton pads into the mixture and place on your eyelids.
• Leave for five minutes.
• You can do this a few times a day.

3. Warm Compress

The moist heat from a warm compress will help to relieve dry eyes by loosening any oils that are clogging the glands.

What You Will Need:

• Warm water
• Washcloth

What To Do:

• Soak a clean washcloth in warm water.
• Wring out all the water.
• Place the cloth over your eyelids.
• Gently press your eyelids to release the clogged oils.

4. Yoghurt

Rich in vitamins B and D, consuming yoghurt is very beneficial for treating dry eyes.

What You Will Need:

• 1 cup plain yoghurt

What To Do:

• Consume one cup of yoghurt every day.

5. Fennel Seeds

Anethole is an organic compound that is present in fennel seeds. Along with phenolics and flavonoids, fennel seeds are able to provide anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits to people with dry eyes.

What You Will Need:

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 cup boiled water
• Cotton pads

What To Do:

• Add the fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water.
• Allow it to soak for about ten minutes.
• Once the tea has cooled, dip cotton pads in the warm liquid and place them over your eyelids.
• Leave for ten minutes.
• You can do this twice a day.

6. Chamomile Tea Extract

Chamomile tea is well known for its relaxing properties, and it is also great for soothing and lubricating the eyes.

What You Will Need:

• 1 teaspoon dried chamomile extract
• 1 cup hot water
• Cotton pads

What To Do:

• Add the chamomile to hot water and allow to soak for ten to fifteen minutes.
• Once the mix is warm, dip two cotton pads in it and place them on your closed eyelids.
• Leave for ten minutes.
• Do this thrice a day.

7. Cucumber

Naturally very rich in water and Vitamin A, cucumbers are a simple and easy way to soothe dry eyes.

What You Will Need:

• 1 cucumber

What To Do:

• Cut a cold cucumber into round slices.
• Place two over your eyes for immediate relief.
• This can be done thrice a day.

8. Wash Eyelids

Dry eyes can cause inflammation in the eyes and block the natural oils from flowing into the eyelids. In cases like this, washing the eyelids will remove any debris that may be stuck and provide relief.

What You Will Need:

• Mild soap or baby shampoo

What To Do:

• Put some of the shampoo on your fingertips.
• Close your eyes and massage it over eyes.
• Cover the base of lashes as well.
• Rinse well and gently pat dry.
• Do this every day.

9. Castor Oil

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid and can promote natural lubrication in the eyes, thus helping to bring relief from itchiness and dryness.

What You Will Need:

• Cold pressed, organic castor oil

What To Do:

• Gently dab some castor oil onto the eyelids and around the lash line.
• Do this at night before bed.

10. Fish Oil Supplements

Being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils are very good for the overall health of the eyes and can also help to treat the symptoms of dry eyes.

What You Will Need:

• 100 mg fish oil capsules

What To Do:

• Consume two capsules after consulting with your doctor.
• Do this once a day.

Prevention Tips for Dry Eyes

It’s better to avoid contracting dry eyes in the first place. So, here are a few tips that can help you prevent this condition:

• If you are going out in the hot sun or there is a lot of wind, cover your eyes with a pair of shades
• If your work involves staring at the computer or mobile for too long, you should take a break after every few hours to give your eyes a break.
• Avoid smoking.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Use a humidifier in your house if the atmosphere is too dry outside.

FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about dry eyes and their treatment:

1. Can Drinking Water Help to Relieve Dryness of Eyes?

When the weather is too hot and dry, a lot of moisture can be lost from the body. As lack of moisture is one of the main causes of dry eyes, drinking enough water and making sure that your body stays hydrated is both essential and a great way to help treat and prevent dry eyes. 

2. Can Rosewater Help to Treat Dry Eyes?

Rosewater is very soothing and can certainly bring relief to eyes that are dry and irritated. It has amazing antibacterial properties that can help to rid the eyes of infection-causing bacteria. You can either soak a cotton ball in rosewater and place on closed eyelids or use pure rose water as eye drops to help bring back the moisture to your eyes.

These days, most people find themselves staring at a computer screen for the better part of their day. Doing this can be a cause of dry eyes. With these natural remedies, your dry eye problem can be healed. Make sure that you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients, and also have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist to make sure it is nothing serious and can be treated with the simple home remedies provided above.

 Also Read:

Home Remedies to Remove Dark Circles Naturally
How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes
How to Remove Under Eye Wrinkles Naturally