by Shaheen Naser
Your eyes are one of your most precious gifts. Don’t we all agree with that? In fact, you won’t even be reading this if your eyes weren’t functioning properly! If your eyes are super sensitive to wind or heat, and get itchy and irritated easily, there is a high probability that you have developed the syndrome called the dry eye.
Dry eye usually occurs when your tear glands run out of tears or when your tears evaporate quickly. If you have developed dry eyes, here’s some good news for you. We have compiled some of the best home remedies to cure dry eyes that can help replenish the moisture in your eyes and restore their functioning. Keep reading to know more to find out how to cure dry eyes permanently .
Table Of Contents
- What Is Dry Eye?
- What Causes Dry Eyes?
- Symptoms Of Dry Eyes
- How To Treat Dry Eyes Naturally
- Best Tips for Preventing Dry eyes
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition where 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 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
- Aging
- 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
- Medical conditions like 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 just exasperating, but can also interfere with your day to day life. Hence, it is best to get rid of this problem at the earliest. And what could be better than treating this ailment in the most natural way possible? Given below is a list of home remedies that can help you treat dry eye and its symptoms in the safest and most efficient way.
How To Treat Dry Eyes Naturally
- Castor Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Vitamins And Nutrients
- Cucumber
- Chamomile Tea
- Fennel Seeds Tea
- Yogurt
- Aloe Vera
- Essential Oils
- Olive Oil
- Fish Oil
- Flaxseed Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Green Tea Extract
- Honey
- Hot Compress
16 Home Remedies For Dry Eyes
1. Castor Oil
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 your eyes.
- 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.
Why This Works
Using castor oil for dry eyes is beneficial as it 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 and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves the burning and itching associated with dry eyes (1), (2).
[ Read: Castor Oil For Eyes ]
2. Coconut Oil
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 for speedy recovery.
Why This Works
Coconut oil is widely used for various purposes. It contains fatty acids like capric acid and lauric acid, which are beneficial for your skin and hair. They are also extremely moisturizing and anti-inflammatory, and can hence be used to provide instant lubrication to your dry and itchy eyes (3).
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 (4), (5), (6). Hence, it is of utmost importance that you include foods rich in these vitamins in your diet. Foods like egg yolks, orange juice, cereals, orange juice, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and butter are all 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 (7). You can also take supplements for these nutrients, but it is recommended to do so after consulting your doctor.
4. Cucumber
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.
Why This Works
Cucumbers are one of the easiest and best remedies for treating dry eyes. They are rich in water that helps soothe your eyes (8). They also contain vitamin A, the topical application of which is a proven remedy for dry eyes (9).
[ Read: DIY – Cucumber Eye Mask ]
5. Chamomile Tea
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.
Why This Works
Chamomile is a great way to relieve dry and inflamed eyes due to its relaxing and calming effects. Its natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties replenish the lost moisture in the eyes and reduce the irritation caused by the condition (10), (11).
[ Read: Benefits of Chamomile Tea ]
6. Fennel Seeds Tea
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.
Why This Works
Fennel seeds contain anethole, an organic compound. It is the presence of this compound and flavonoids and phenolics that imparts anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to them (12), (13). 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.
7. Yogurt
You Will Need
1 cup of plain yogurt
What You Have To Do
Have a cup of plain yogurt.
How Often You Should Do This
You must consume yogurt at least once daily.
Why This Works
All dairy products, including yogurt, are known to benefit dry eyes. It is a rich source of B vitamins and vitamin D. The consumption of these vitamins is proven to improve and treat dry eye syndrome naturally (14).
8. Aloe Vera
You Will Need
Aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do
Take a little aloe vera gel and apply it to your eyelids.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this at least twice daily.
Why This Works
The benefits of aloe vera are no secret. Aloe vera contains bioactive compounds like ethanol and ethyl acetate that exhibit anti-inflammatory and healing properties (15), (16). These properties can prove to be quite helpful in treating dry eye and its symptoms. In addition to this, aloe vera is also a natural antioxidant that can protect your eyes from free radical damage (17).
Caution
Make sure that it does not get inside your eyes as it can cause irritation.
[ Read: Benefits Of Aloe Vera ]
9. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 cup of warm water
- A clean washcloth
What You Have To Do
- Add a few drops of lavender oil to a cup of water.
- Mix well and dip a clean washcloth into this solution.
- Wring out the excess water and place it on your eyes.
- Keep it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then repeat the process.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this at least thrice daily.
Why This Works
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties of lavender oil can be useful in treating dry eyes (18). This condition often results in irritation in your eyes, and lavender oil can provide instant soothing and relief from it.
b. Chamomile Oil
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of chamomile oil
- 1 cup of warm water
- A clean washcloth
What You Have To Do
- Add a few drops of chamomile oil to a cup of warm water.
- Mix well and dip a clean washcloth into this solution.
- Place this over your closed eyelids and leave it on for 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this multiple times a day.
Why This Works
The properties of chamomile essential oil are quite similar to that of chamomile tea. It helps reduce inflammation in your eyes with its anti-inflammatory properties (19). The oil is also widely used to treat allergic skin conditions like dermatitis and can hence help relieve dry eyes as well (20).
10. Olive Oil
You Will Need
A few drops of virgin olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Take a few drops of virgin olive oil on your fingertips.
- Massage it gently on your closed eyelids and cover them with your hands for a couple of minutes.
- Do not wash off the oil. Allow it to be absorbed by your skin naturally.
How Often You Should Do This
You can repeat this process 2-3 times daily.
Why This Works
Olive oil contains fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, which make it extremely lubricating and helpful in replenishing the lost moisture in your eyes (21). It also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the irritation and inflammation in your eyes (22).
11. Fish Oil
You Will Need
1000-1200 mg of fish oil supplements
What You Have To Do
Consume 2 capsules of 1000-1200 mg fish oil capsules.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this once daily.
Why This Works
Fish Oil is one of the best remedies to treat dry eyes naturally. Supplementation with fish oil is another proven way to cure dry eyes naturally. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which, as discussed earlier, are proven to promote vision and retinal health (23), (24). However, make sure you consult your doctor before taking these supplements.
12. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids. It contains alpha linoleic acid (ALA), which is converted into two different omega-3 acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both these omega-3 fatty acids are proven to treat dry eye and its symptoms. In a study, subjects suffering from dry eyes were given 2000 mg of flaxseed oil, and the results were positive (25).
You can also increase your intake of flaxseeds for added benefits. Flaxseed supplements are also available (26). Nevertheless, it is recommended that you consult a physician before going ahead with flaxseed oil supplements.
13. Lemon Juice
You Will Need
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice to half a cup of plain water.
- Mix well and use this solution to wash your eyes for 20 to 30 seconds.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this once every morning.
Why This Works
Dry eyes have a pH close to 8, and the citric acid in lemons helps in restoring the pH to normal levels. Lemons are also anti-inflammatory and can help in soothing the inflammation and irritation (27), (28).
Caution
Avoid using undiluted lemon juice for this purpose.
14. Green Tea Extract
You Will Need
- 1-2 green tea bags
- 1 cup of hot water
- Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
- Put the green tea bags in a cup of hot water.
- Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Allow it to cool a bit.
- Dip two cotton pads into the green tea and place them on your closed eyelids.
- Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then repeat the procedure.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this multiple times daily.
Why This Works
Green tea extract, when applied topically, is a proven remedy for treating dry eyes. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the main components extracted from green tea, and it exhibits anti-inflammatory activities that can help inhibit the inflammation that often accompanies a dry eye. Green tea extract is also a natural antioxidant and can prevent further irritation of your eyes (29).
[ Read: Benefits Of Green Tea ]
15. Honey
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of 100% organic honey
- 1/2 cup of preboiled and cooled water
What You Have To Do
- Add a tablespoon of 100% organic water to half a cup of preboiled and cooled water.
- Mix well and put 1-2 drops of this solution to your eyes.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 2-3 times daily.
Why This Works
Honey gels and eye drops are widely used to treat many ocular ailments (30). Being highly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, honey can easily help in treating dry eyes and also prevent further infection (31). It also possesses moisturizing properties that can help in keeping your dry eyes lubricated (32).
16. Hot Compress
You Will Need
- A clean cloth
- A bowl of warm water
What You Have To Do
- Take a clean cloth and soak it in a bowl of warm water.
- Wring the excess water and place the soaked cloth on your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this multiple times daily.
Why This Works
The moisture and warmth of hot compresses are proven to increase the thickness of your tear film, thus relieving dry eyes (33).
These wonderful remedies will help you combat dry eyes with their natural healing properties. Listed below are a few preventive tips that can speed up your recovery and also prevent the recurrence of this condition.
Best Tips For Preventing Dry Eyes
- Avoid exposing your eyes to dry air and strong winds.
- Use a humidifier inside your house.
- Take breaks during long hours of visual activity.
- Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.
- Avoid smoking.
- Increase your intake of omega-3 rich foods.
Hope you liked our post on home remedies for dry eyes. These remedies and tips will surely help in curing dry eyes. However, if the irritation becomes too difficult for you to handle, consult your physician immediately. Do give the remedies mentioned in this article a try and let us know if they helped you.
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?
Drinking enough water can help treat dry eye because this syndrome may also be a symptom of dehydration, especially in a hot and dry weather.
What foods are good for dry eyes?
Consuming foods like carrots, salmon, tuna, sardine, mackerel, and other foods rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids can help in treating dry eye.
Can dry eye affect your vision?
In some cases, the condition can irritate your eyes to such an extent that you may experience blurred vision.
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