7 Home Remedies for Dry Eyes
In some people, the tear glands in the eyes cannot produce tears that help in eye lubrication. When this happens, the eyes dry out, and this can cause pain and discomfort. The condition can occur due to a variety of reasons, but there are ways to get relief.
Here are some natural home remedies that can help:
1. Drink enough water
Drinking water can help people who have dry eyes and are suffering from its symptoms. When you drink sufficient water, it can help your eyes stay moist instead of drying out. You should try to drink eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day. You can also consume foods high in water content, such as watermelon and cucumbers.
2. Blink often
It might sound like it doesn’t make a difference, but blinking is essential for your eye health. It also ensures your eyes stay moist. If you are on your phone or computer, make sure you close your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Moreover, you should try and blink more often. If you keep your computer below eye level, it can help reduce dry eyes.
3. Warm compresses
You can try warm compresses everyday to help soothe dry eyes. You need to wet a clean cloth with some warm water and wring it before placing it on your eye. You should keep it there for a whole minute. You can press it slightly on your eyelid’s edge so any oil clogging your oil-making glands will come off.
4. Eat right
Omega-3 fatty acids can help soothe dry eye symptoms and reduce inflammation. They boost tear production. Some sources of omega-3 fatty acids include sardines, tuna, mackerel, and trout. If you don’t eat fish, you can opt for soybean oil, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and palm oil instead. Supplements are an option, but you should speak to your doctor first.
5. Wash eyelashes
If you have any lid inflammation, cleaning your eyelids gently yet thoroughly can help soothe dry eyes. You can use some mild soap and place it on the tip of your finger. Then, slowly and without too much pressure, massage your eye while keeping your eye closed the entire time. You should massage your eyelash base. This can give you relief from dry eyes.
6. Opt for a humidifier
If you live in a typically dry area, you should consider getting a humidifier. This can help add moisture to the indoor area that might be otherwise dry. If you don’t want to do that, there is another method. You can put some water near the radiator, which can help increase your home’s humidity. You can opt for an air cleaner too as it can be of help.
7. Wear proper sunglasses
The type of sunglasses you wear can help you too. For example, wearing wraparound sunglasses can help protect your eyes, especially if you live in a windy area. Wind can cause dry eyes. When you are at home, avoid using an air conditioner if possible, as it can lead to dry eyes. Moreover, you should avoid using hair-dryers, as they can dry out your eyes.