Dry eyes could cause a lot of discomfort in your daily routine. In most cases, they can blur the vision, cause inflammation, and make it difficult to focus on digital content for extended periods. However, what most patients fail to realize is that certain home remedies can be very effective in treating dry eye issues. Methods ranging from a dry eye warm compress to eye drops can be effective dry eye home remedies for most patients. This article will focus on the best dry eye home remedies, including:
- Washing Eye Lids and Lashes
- Resting Your Eyes
- Blinking Frequently
- Eat Right
- Vitamin A, D, and B12
- Reduce Alcohol Intake
- Say No To Cigarette
- Water Intake
- Sleep Cycle
- Tear Drops for Eyes
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Washing Eye Lids and Lashes
Yes! Something as simple as washing your dry eyelids and lashes can effectively treat the dry eye problem. Whenever you wash your face, give special consideration to washing your eyelashes and eyelids properly. The best method is to use a baby shampoo that is eye-friendly and warns water. Some people may prefer using a preservative-free eye cleanser for this purpose. First, clean the lower and upper eyelid. Make sure you wash them gently.
Similarly, use a dry eye warm compress to clean the areas where you regularly apply makeup or creams. These products can irritate your eyes, cause swelling and inflammation. Follow this step with a warm, dry eye mask to help your eyes retain moisture. This way, the oil-producing glands are unclogged, and tear production reaches a sufficient level.
Resting Your Eyes
Many patients with dry eyes fail to realize the importance of frequent breaks from work in treating this condition. Usually, focusing for an extended period on a digital surface can cause burning eyes. While eye drops are effective in their treatment, the underlying cause has to be addressed to prevent a recurrence. One method is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Here, the patient works for 20 minutes on tasks requiring excessive eye usage. Then, they take a short break of 20 seconds and continue their work for the next 20 minutes. This short rest ensures that your blinking rate returns to normal. Similarly, the fluid production increases and your eyes are properly lubricated.
Blinking Frequently
One of the most effective home remedies for dry eyes is to blink at a faster pace than normal. Blinking your eyes helps to spread the lubrication throughout the eye surface. Concurrently, it prevents the eyes from drying out excessively. Your blinding rate can improve the following the below steps:
- First, keep your eyes shut for 2 seconds before you reopen them.
- Repeat the first step. This time, before reopening, squeeze your eyelids for a further 2 seconds.
- Open both eyes and continue your work.
Repeating this routine every 20 minutes can offer an effective treatment for dry eyes.
Eat Right
Your diet impacts every aspect of your health, including the frequency and severity of the dry eyes condition. One key reason for dry eye symptoms is the lack of Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. These fatty acids help produce tears and maintain the general health of your eye glands. The best food source for such acids is fatty fish, including tuna and salmon. Flax seeds and fish oil supplements are other sources of these acids. Similarly, you may consume soybean oil, palm oil, and chia seeds in your diet for this purpose as well.
Vitamin A, D, and B12
Remember, lack of Vitamin D and B12 are leading causes of dry eyes. Similarly, Vitamin A is linked to the overall health of your eyes, including the oil-producing glands. You add cheese, oily fish, eggs, fortified low-fat spreads, and milk to your diet for Vitamin A. Similarly, eggs and milk are a great source of Vitamin B12 as well. Similar foods also provide your body the adequate amounts of Vitamin D.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
High alcohol intake can dehydrate your body, including your eyes. Therefore, it is a leading cause of dry eyes in people who drink regularly and exasperate dry eye syndrome. Completely cutting or alcohol or reducing it to minimal quantities can help in treating the condition at home.
Say No to Cigarette
Smoking is related to 7000 different chemicals, many of which act as allergens and irritants. Thus, people who smoke regularly are at an increased risk of dry eyes. Similarly, ingredients inside a cigarette can damage your tear composition. Therefore, quitting smoking can be the first step on your path to recovery from dry eye syndrome. For people who smoke marijuana, it is better to shift to less harmful alternatives such as vape.
Water Intake
Drinking more water is one of the most effective methods of keeping your body hydrated. Extra water intake helps to hydrate your eyes and lubricate the cornea. Similarly, it helps you focus better when working on digital content. Without proper hydration, your eyes can dry out now and then, resulting in the exasperation of the dry eye symptoms.
Sleep Cycle
Make sure you sleep properly. Your eyes need rest to relubricate themselves and reduce their dryness. At least 8 hours of sleep at night is recommended to remove the symptoms of dry eyes completely. Make sure your routine involves regular exercise as well. Try picking an environment that makes you feel comfortable when you sleep. Everything, from your bedtime routine to the time you sleep every night, is crucial in ensuring a healthy sleep for your eyes.
Tear Drops for Eyes
Many over-the-counter teardrops are available for the treatment of your eyes. However, selecting the right ones is extremely important to reduce irritation. It is best to consult a trained eye doctor before selecting teardrops for regular use. Similarly, you can create lubricating gels at home to cover your eyes for longer periods of frequent usage. Ointments are also available to use before you go to sleep.
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Conclusion
Even the simplest steps can help in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes. Let us know in the comments section if our article was helpful. Try these remedies today to reduce dry eye issues.
