Dry eyes are a pain in the eye—literally. Nearly 4.9 million Americans suffer from this condition.
Are you wondering how to cure dry eye without medical treatment? The good news is that there are several preventative and natural solutions you can try on your own.
Use this list of home remedies for dry eyes to help you find relief.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye is a condition that afflicts many people in the United States. Those with chronic dry eye can’t produce enough tears. This leads to a lack of proper lubrication in the eye.
As a result, the most common dry eye symptoms include:
- A chronically dry feeling in the eyes
- Burning, stinging, or itchiness
- Eye pain
- Irritation when wearing daily contact lenses
- Redness in the eyes and on the eyelids
Some people can even experience sensitivity to light and difficulty driving at night. Home remedies for dry eye can address many of these uncomfortable symptoms.
Causes for Chronically Dry Eyes
Your environment can be one major cause of chronic dry eyes. Very cold and dry conditions can intensify dry eye symptoms.
Behavior and lifestyle can also cause this condition. If you work a desk job that requires computer work, you may not blink as often as you should. Even looking at your computer screen for long periods of time can lead to dry eye.
There are also medical reasons for chronically dry eyes. Here are some of the most common medical factors:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Aging
- Auto-immune disorders
- Side effects from other medications
- Vitamin A and D deficiency
Home Remedies for Dry Eyes
While the causes of dry eye vary, there are simple home remedies for dry eyes that can help everyone.
Warm Compresses
One of the simplest home remedies for chronic dry eye is warm compresses. Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place the towel on your eyes for five to ten minutes. You can repeat this several times a day to help promote oil production in the tear glands.
Use a Humidifier
If you have chronic dry eye, it’s important to avoid very dry environments. A humidifier can help promote moisture levels in your home in very cold and dry conditions.
Stay Hydrated
Another helpful tip is to increase the amount of water you drink on a daily basis. There are no fixed guidelines for water intake, but it’s important to drink it every day. Water can help lubricate joints and also help provide hydration to your eyes.
Dietary Changes
One of the most effective home remedies for dry eye syndrome involves modifying your diet. Increasing omega-3 acids in your diet is a great way to help promote natural eye lubrication. You could either eat more fatty fish like salmon or take a fish oil supplement.
Other foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include chia seeds, soybeans, and spinach.
Try Eye Drops
Eye drops can be another effective source of relief. Using them frequently throughout the day can help reduce discomfort and reduce symptoms.
While quality eye drops can be expensive, you can find cheaper eye drops that are effective and affordable.
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