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9 Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes

9 Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes

A dry eye is a condition wherein the tear glands in the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes wet and comfortable. It is one of the most common eye conditions and can be extremely uncomfortable, with symptoms like stinging, burning, and red eyes. This article lists 9 home remedies to help manage dry eyes and keep them moist and wet. However, it is always best to consult a doctor before trying these home remedies.

Washing lashes
Inflammation is another symptom that needs to be managed for dry eyes, and another trick to know is to wash those crusty eyelashes. Keeping the surrounding skin and hair near the eyes clean ensures the inflammation does not worsen. One can use mild and gentle soap to wash the eyes lids and even the base of the eyelashes.

Eye massage
Gently massaging the areas around the eyes can provide numerous benefits. This simple act can help relieve tension, increase blood circulation, and promote muscle relaxation. Even though not touching the eye, stimulating the surrounding areas can help improve eye sensation and boost tear production. It’s important to ensure that the eye massage is always gentle and not painful. Unless one has experience with massage or acupuncture, it’s best to seek advice from a professional before trying it out.

Using warm compresses
The eyes need a mix of three things to stay moist, and these include water, oil, and mucus. These are produced by the oil glands along the edge of the eyelids. However, there are times when these oil glands can get clogged due to flaky eyelids and inflammation in the eye due to dry eyes, so warm compresses are a remedy that helps with this. Here’s what one can do – wet a clean washcloth with some warm water, wring out the excess water, and then place this warm cloth on the eyelids. Gently press on the eyelids while it is placed there for a minute or so. This can help unclog the oil glands. The heat from the warm cloth is enough to loosen up the clogged oils and provide instant relief. But one may need to continue this remedy on a daily basis to help the eyes feel comfortable.

Eating fish rich in omega-3
According to research, eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can help keep the skin hydrated. Not only that, but it also helps the oil-making glands in the body with healthy fats to keep functioning properly. This is essential for dry eyes as the oil glands often get clogged or do not produce enough moisture. Fish like salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, and mackerel all have good omega-3 fatty acids that help keep the oil glands healthy.

Apart from fish, other food sources rich in omega-3s include canola oil, soybean oil, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

Drinking enough water
Staying hydrated is another tip to help one deal with dry eye symptoms. Drinking enough water throughout the day, not just when thirsty, ensures that one’s whole body is hydrated, including the eyes, and the irritation may be a little less. Also, focus on including hydrating foods in one’s meals, like cucumbers, watermelons, etc. Some days one can also hydrate by incorporating a lot of soups in one’s meals and juices made out of healthy and hydrating vegetables.

Using humidifier
Keeping a humidifier in the room or all the rooms in the house is an easy trick to ensure the air has some moisture and does not irritate dry eyes. If one does not have a humidifier, keeping a bucket or a pan of water near the radiator or the heater also has the same effect. One can also use an air cleaner as it can help clean the dust particles inside the house, and there will be fewer irritants in the environment to flare up the dry eyes symptoms.

Blinking often
Blinking is a reflex that comes naturally to most people, but for those who struggle with dry eyes, blinking more often can help. People who use screens regularly for their work should also think about doing daily eye exercises to keep their eyes healthy. To promote good eye health, individuals can follow the 20/20 rule, which suggests taking a break from the screen every 20 minutes and resting their eyes by closing them for 20 seconds. This may seem like a small step, but it adds a lot of value and relaxation when practiced regularly. It ensures that the eyes are not overwhelmed by looking at the screen constantly, and we often don’t take breaks for hours. Also, positioning the screen slightly below eye level can prevent the eyes from opening too wide, which can cause dryness and discomfort due to excessive moisture evaporation.

Using wraparound sunglasses
When leaving the house, it’s common to wear sunglasses. However, investing in a pair of wraparound sunglasses can be even more beneficial. These sunglasses not only protect one’s eyes from bright light but also shield them from harmful air pollutants that can cause dryness. Additionally, they can be used indoors while using appliances like hair dryers or sitting in front of air conditioners or fans, which can also be irritating to the eyes. Overall, wraparound sunglasses are a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to protect their eyes and maintain their comfort in any environment.

Sleeping well
Getting enough sleep is crucial for preventing dry eye symptoms from getting worse. Since dry eye is an immune disorder, sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It’s important to be well-rested to ensure optimal bodily function.

There are also many eye drop prescriptions available that can be bought easily to help with dry eyes. These drops are available for purchase, but it’s important to consult a doctor before using them. They can provide information on the differences between various brands and recommend which one would work best for an individual. Additionally, some ointments can ease dry eye irritation and inflammation, but it’s important to get a health professional’s perspective to choose the right product.

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