If your eyes are turning super sensitive to wind or heat, and get itchy and irritated easily, there is a high probability that you have developed a syndrome called the dry eye.
Dry eye usually occurs when your tear glands run out of tears or when your tears evaporate quickly. This is followed by a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes. If you have developed dry eyes, this article lists simple home remedies that may relieve the discomforting symptoms. These natural treatments help manage dry eyes by replenishing the moisture in your eyes and restoring their functioning. Keep read to find out how to treat dry eyes naturally.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition in which an individual is unable to produce enough tears to lubricate or nourish the eyes. This condition is also referred to as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis.
Your eyes always need a layer of tears coating them to keep them lubricated and avoid the entry of dust, allergies, and other irritants. A lack of this layer can lead to dry eyes and irritation in the affected person’s eyes.
Dry eyes could be a result of various factors. Some of the most common causes are discussed below.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
The common causes that lead to the drying of your eyes are:
- Constant exposure to wind or dry air
- Dysfunctional tear glands
- Allergies
- Previous eye surgery
- Use of medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, contraceptive pills, or antidepressants
- Ageing
- Not blinking for a long time
- Long-term use of contact lens
- Staring at the computer screen for too long
- A deficiency in vitamins A and D
- Hormonal therapy and pregnancy
- Medical conditions like hypothyroidism, allergies, arthritis, and immune system disorders
Dry eyes can be quite irritating in the long run, given the irritating symptoms that surface with the onset of this syndrome.
Symptoms Of Dry Eyes
The most common dry eye symptoms include:
- A stinging and burning sensation in your eyes
- Pain in the eyes
- Eyes become irritated and red
- Unusual tearing of the eyes
- Blurry vision
- Eyes feel dry and sandy
Dry eyes are not only exasperating but can also interfere with your day to day life. Hence, it is best to get rid of this problem at the earliest. Given below is a list of home remedies that can help you treat dry eye and its symptoms safely.
6 Home Remedies For Dry Eyes
- Castor Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Vitamins And Nutrients
- Cucumber
- Chamomile Tea
- Fennel Seeds Tea
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil is derived by pressing the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), and it contains high levels of ricinoleic acid. This imparts naturally lubricating properties to it. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves the burning and itching associated with dry eyes.
You Will Need
1-2 drops of cold-pressed, organic castor oil
What You Have To Do
- Put a drop or two of a 100% organic castor oil in each eye.
- In case of unavailability of pure castor oil, you can also use lubricating eye drops made of castor oil.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times daily.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut contains fatty acids, like capric acid and lauric acid, that are beneficial for your skin. They are also extremely moisturizing and anti-inflammatory and can hence be used to provide instant lubrication to dry and itchy eyes.
You Will Need
A few drops of 100% organic virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Put a few drops of 100% organic virgin coconut oil in both your eyes.
- Blink a few times and let your eyes absorb the oil.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every morning and night.
3. Vitamins And Nutrients
Dry eye syndrome can also be a result of any vitamin deficiency. Studies have proved that the deficiency of vitamins D, B12, and A is related to the development of the condition.
Hence, include foods rich in these vitamins in your diet. Foods like egg yolks, orange juice, cereals, orange juice, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and butter are rich sources of vitamins D and A.
You can also increase your intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like sardines, salmon, mackerel, spinach, soybeans, and chia seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids boost the production of the lubricating layer of your eyes. You can also take supplements for these nutrients after consulting your doctor.
4. Cucumber
Cucumbers are widely used for treating dry eyes. They are rich in water that helps soothe your eyes. They also contain vitamin A, the topical application of which is a proven remedy for dry eyes.
You Will Need
1 cucumber
What You Have To Do
- Cut a chilled cucumber into round slices.
- Place them on closed eyes for immediate relief.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 2-3 times daily to relax and soothe your eyes.
5. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a great way to relieve dry and inflamed eyes due to its relaxing and calming effects and natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can help replenish the lost moisture in the eyes and reduce the irritation caused by the condition.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile herb
- 1 cup of hot water
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
- Add a teaspoon of dried chamomile herb to a cup of hot water.
- Allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Strain and cool it in a refrigerator.
- Take a couple of cotton pads and dip them in the chilled tea.
- Place them on your closed eyes and leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 3-4 times daily until you obtain relief.
6. Fennel Seeds Tea
Fennel seeds contain anethole, an organic compound. The presence of anethole, flavonoids, and phenolics imparts anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to fennel seeds. The anti-inflammatory activities of fennel seeds can help in reducing the inflammation and irritability, and their soothing properties can be used to retain moisture in your eyes.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
- Steep a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Allow it to cool a bit.
- Dip two cotton pads in the warm fennel tea and place them on your eyes.
- Leave them on for at least 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times daily.
Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions
What are the best eye drops for dry eyes?
Using eye drops made with natural ingredients like castor oil or honey is the best and safe way to treat dry eyes.
Can drinking water help with dry eyes?
Yes, drinking enough water can help with dry eyes because this syndrome may also be a symptom of dehydration, especially in hot and dry weather.
What foods are good for dry eyes?
Foods like carrots, salmon, tuna, sardine, mackerel, and other foods rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids are good for dry eyes.
Can dry eye affect your vision?
Yes. In some cases, the condition can irritate your eyes to such an extent that you may experience blurred vision.
