Home Remedies to Cure Dry Eyes
A dry eye occurs when tear glands don't produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes. This condition can become uncomfortable and painful. Dry eyes can result from medical and environmental factors. This condition mostly occurs when the tiny glands in and around the eyelids can't produce enough tears to keep your peepers healthy. A person can experience some symptoms because of dry eye that include:
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Redness or irritation
Optometrists can suggest a few treatments through dry eye therapy but can opt for home remedies to naturally treat the problem in case of minor conditions related to dry eyes.
How to cure dry eyes home remediese
If you’re wondering about ‘how to cure dry eyes home remedies,’ you can try the following:
- Warm Compresses
- Wash Crusty Lashes
- Blink More
- Eat (Naturally) Oily Fish
- Stay Hydrated
1. Warm Compresses
Tears comprise oil, water and mucus, which help our eyes to stay moist and healthy. One can try to relax the eyes using a warm compress that will cleanse the eyelids and improve oil flow through eyelid glands to improve the quality of tears and alleviate dry eyes. To get relief from irritation, use a clean washcloth dipped in warm water and place it over the closed eye for at least a minute; this will loosen up the clogged oils in the glands and even reduce inflammation.
2. Wash Crusty Lashes
Clean the eyelids, eyelashes and ocular area to protect eye health. One can use warm water, baby shampoo or a preservative-free eyelid cleanser to gently clean the upper and lower eyelids. This will prevent the build-up of bacteria, which can cause eye conditions or eye disease blepharitis.
Blepharitis is a condition in which inflammation occurs in the eyelids due to clogged oil glands behind eyelashes. It causes eye irritation, redness, dryness or a burning sensation. If a person suspects a case of blepharitis, he/she should visit an optometrist to discuss treatment options.
3. Blink More
Not blinking often leads to decreased tear production and increased irritation, so it is always advisable to blink the eyes more frequently throughout the day when a person looks at digital screens or headlights for more than 20 minutes. Try following the 20/20 rule: close your eyes every twenty minutes for 20 seconds. If you work on a computer for long hours, set your screen below eye level so you don’t have to open your eyes wide; this may help slow tear evaporation between blinks.
4. Eat (Naturally) Oily Fish
Consuming oily fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel is good as they contain omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help the oil-making glands in the eye to work better and ease irritation. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the eyes and enable increased tear quantity as well as quality. Many other foods are naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids, including walnuts, vegetable oil, soybean oil and flaxseed. A person can also take omega-3 fatty acids in the form of supplements as a pill or tablet. However, one should talk to a doctor before starting any new supplement to make sure it is safe to consume.
5. Stay Hydrated
Unsurprisingly, every part of our body needs water to stay healthy, including our eyes. Drinking water keeps the eyeballs lubricated and supports the lacrimal glands, allowing our eyes to produce tears, focus and function normally. Without proper hydration, eyes can't clear out debris, so blink comfortably or try to see things without straining your eyes.
To maintain proper eye health, try to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. If you find this amount challenging, start consuming water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelons, which will also help you stay hydrated.