Home Remedies for Dry Eyes: Tips for Comfort and Relief

For someone suffering from dry eyes, it can be very uncomfortable and painful. The itchiness and grit accompanying blurriness can feel like there is sand glued to your eyes. Tasks such as reading and working on a computer completely transforms into torture.

Fear not, there are ways to alleviate this condition. This blog explains some home remedies for dry eyes that would help relieve and cure dry eyes.

Understanding Dry Eyes 

Before attempting the home remedy for dry eyes, you want to know how this condition is developed and will be helpful. Dry eyes are a disease formed when your eyes cannot create adequate tears or produce poor-quality tears.

Healthy and comfortable eyes require tears. Compared to the surface of the eye, tears serve as a lubricant by cleaning sand and dirt, shielding the eyes from infection. Dry eyes may be irritated and inflamed.

Here, we discuss diverse reasons why dry eyes occur, for example:

1. Aging: As we get older, our bodies are prone to the ability to produce fewer tears with time.
2. Computer Use: Constant computer use can cause your eyes to stop blinking, causing them to dry up.
3. Environmental Factors: Hot weather, windy conditions, or smoke increases irritability in the eyes.
4. Medical conditions: The presence of rheumatism or any thyroid condition in patients augments their chances of facing the issue of eye dryness.
5. Medications: Certain antihistamines as well as decongestants have a reputation of causing dry eyes.

Home Remedies for Dry Eyes

Let’s look at some effective home remedies for dry eyes which can be done readily:

1. Blink more: you will usually blink less while sitting in front of the computer or doing any assignment. Be more observant and give your eyes a watered feel by blinking several times. You gaze at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. You might blink several times during this period.
   
2. Apply Artificial Drops: If you want instant relief from agonizing dry eye symptoms you can use artificial drops. They lubricate your eyes and serve your dry eye condition the same way as natural tears. Check for preservative free solutions if you are sensitive to artificial tears.
   
3. Get a Humidifier: Energy efficient dry air is detrimental especially for dry eyes. Getting a humidifier can help add moisture for your home or work space.
   
4. Do Not Smoke: Almost all irritants like smoke, perfumes, dust are harmful and should not be used or inhaled. Not only do they affect the body negatively, but they can also prove to be very painful for your eyes.
   
5. Supplementation: Many doctors suggest taking omega-3 supplements to maintain eye health. But remember this fatty acid is prevalent in some oils, fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.
   
6. Clean Your Eyelids: Cleaning eyelids also helps prevent oil gland blockage. You can wash your eyelids using a cloth soaked in warm water with baby shampoo.
   
7. Avoid Screens: Any screen, especially if used constantly, can cause dry eyes. So get up and walk around often, or close your eyes for a few minutes.
   
8. Sleep Enough: Good sleep helps reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. Sleep for seven to eight hours every night to keep your eyes adequately cared for.

Some Additional Home Remedies for Dry Eyes

Here, we mentioned some other over-the-counter home remedies for dry eyes, including the following:

1. Castor Oil: Some patients experience relief with the use of eye drops enhanced with castor oil, as it extends the duration of the tear film. Preservative-free, high-quality castor oil designed for direct eye application can be used. You may want to consult your doctor about using this treatment option.
   
2. Coconut Oil: There are many advantages to using coconut oil for people suffering from dry eyes. It is a suitable eye lubricant and causes no inflammation. Always consult your eye doctor dry before using, and ensure that it is pure, preservative-free coconut oil.
   
3. Eyebright: Eyebright is a herbal treatment used for various eye ailments which includes dry eyes. It is available in both drop and tea form. Eyebright should be used under the supervision of a physician or an ophthalmologist.

When to Seek Medical Care

While home remedies benefit dry eyes, if you can see the severe and persistent symptoms, you consult a doctor. Medical attention is sought immediately if you feel the following symptoms:

1. Severe eye pain.
2. Vision changes
3. Increased sensitivity to light
4. Excessive tearing

A physician will identify what is causing your eye dryness and provide the best remedy. Eye doctors may prescribe medicated eye drops or other treatments such as punctal plugs or even LASIK surgery.

Conclusion

Dry eyes are one of the frustrating conditions, but most home remedies for dry eyes will be helpful. Therefore, relief will come with a few changes and remedies, so you will feel much better about soothing your eyes. But if the symptoms worsen or do not get better, you must see your doctor.

We at Swadha Hospital understand how painful and irritating dry eyes can be. Our all-around eye care includes diagnosis and treatment for dry eyes. Our very trained ophthalmologists can ensure the proper alleviation of discomfort and maintain optimal eye health.

So, if you are suffering from dry eyes, you can book your appointment today. We care for you to see the world more comfortably.

Faqs:

• How often can artificial tears be used?

You can often use artificial tears to help your discomfort. Some may be needed a few times daily, while others are rarely required.

• What risks are associated with using home remedies to treat dry eyes?

Most home remedies for dry eyes are harmless, which doesn’t necessarily mean anything will burn, itch, or cause some allergic reaction. You can stop using home remedies and contact your eye doctor if symptoms are unusual.

• Are contact lenses dangerous for patients with dry eyes?

It would depend on the degree of severity regarding your dry eyes. Some can tolerate contact lenses when using lubricating eye drops, especially in mild cases of dry eyes. However, when dry eyes become more severe, it may be suggested that no contact lens be used.