Home remedies to relieve dry eyes

Natural products such as chamomile, mallow, warm water compresses, and cucumber, among others, are good home remedies for dry eyes. Eye dryness is a condition that occurs due to a lack of lubrication of the eyes by not having the adequate content of tears. This can be caused by multiple factors, as we will see in this article. It is possible that it affects our good vision, not only causing us to have difficulties seeing typically but also increasing the risk of suffering from more visual severe disorders. Therefore, it is always advisable to visit a specialist and determine the origin of the problem.

In this FastlyHealarticle, we show some home remedies to relieve dry eyes that can complete medical treatments and considerably lessen the associated discomfort.

Causes of dry eyes

Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome occurs when tear secretion is reduced, and the eyes cannot, therefore, be kept well lubricated and moist, which is essential for good eye health and healthy vision. And is that when there is not an adequate tear content, it is very likely that, as a consequence, various eye discomforts, in addition to vision problems, will occur.

Among the leading causes of dry eyes are those listed below:

• Environmental conditions: dry environments from air conditioning, wind, heating, etc., can cause dry eyes. It can also be caused by coming into contact with tobacco smoke.
• Aging: it is a more frequent condition in older adults because, over the years, the production of natural tears decreases.
• Bad eye habits: spending many hours in front of the screen of computers, televisions, tablets, mobile phones, etc., without resting your eyes can cause your eyes to dry out. As well as reading without enough light, straining your eyes to read, wearing contact lenses for a long time or misusing them.
• Eye conditions: diseases that affect the eyes, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers, can also cause this problem.
• Hormonal changes: hormonal changes can lead to a reduction in eye lubrication.
• Ophthalmological interventions: you can suffer from dry eyes during the postoperative period when the eyes are operated on for cataracts, fleshy eyes (pterygium), refractive surgery, etc.
• Consumption of some medications: Prescription drugs for allergies, colds, hypertension, anxiety, etc., can cause dry eyes as a side effect.
• Other diseases: autoimmune disorders, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Symptoms of dry eyes

Dry eyes, in addition to the dryness itself, can cause the manifestation of other symptoms such as:

• Blurry vision.
• Tired eyesight.
• Itchy eyes
• Irritated and red eyes
• The sensation of sand or something strange in the eyes.
• Mild pain or stinging in the eyes.

Stimulate natural tears with warm water compresses

For the treatment of dry eyes, you must act directly on the cause causing said dryness. In general, to improve this condition, the administration of eye drops, artificial tears, or ointments is recommended, which can also help reduce irritation and discomfort.

The use of the previous products can be complemented with some home remedies for dry eyes, as we show in the following lines. One of the most effective and straightforward ways to stimulate the production of natural tears is applying warm water compresses. You only have to moisten a clean gauze with warm water and place it on the eyes, resting for about 15 minutes. It will help you reduce dryness, irritation, and eye fatigue.

Chamomile is an excellent natural eye lubricant.

There is no better natural eye lubricant than chamomile tea. This medicinal plant has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, excellent for treating dry eye syndrome and relieving dryness, irritation, and inflammation in the eyes.

1. In a saucepan, boil two tablespoons of chamomile flowers in the equivalent of 1 glass of water. You can also prepare the infusion with the tea bags they sell.
2. Please turn off the heat and let it steep for about 5 minutes when it boils.
3. When the infusion has cooled, moisten some cotton pads and place them over the eyes.
4. Let the chamomile work for 10-15 minutes. If the cotton pads get dry, you can re-immerse them in the chamomile infusion.

Black tea to hydrate the eyes

Another recommended home remedy to relieve dry eyes is black tea. The reason is that this infusion has antioxidant properties that help improve eye hydration, in addition to acting against inflammation and redness.

1. Add two black tea bags to 1 glass of boiling water.
2. Wait for them to infuse for about 5 minutes.
3. After that time, let it rest so that the bags cool down.
4. Place the black tea bags over your closed eyes and leave for 10-15 minutes.

If you prefer, you can soak some gauze with the infusion and apply it following the procedure explained in the previous section.

Cucumber slices

Cucumber is a very popular natural decongestant, and in the case of dry eyes, it can help lubricate, reduce inflammation and refresh them. After its application, you will feel a great relief in the entire area, including the eye contour, as it also improves blood circulation and revitalizes.

1. Cut a few slices of cold cucumber.
2. Place a piece of cucumber over your closed eyes.
3. Relax and let the cucumber act for about 10 minutes.

Mallow and eyebright, medicinal plants for dry eyes

The mallow is another of the medicinal plants specified for eye irritation and dryness. It acts as a natural eye drop and works very well in case of conjunctivitis, so it can help you combat discomfort and keep your eyes better lubricated. Eyebright works similarly, another therapeutic herb with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can be just as soothing and is also recommended for blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and allergies.

1. Add one tablespoon of the selected dried plant to 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Let it rest for about 5 minutes.
3. When the infusion cools, soak some clean gauze in them.
4. Place the gauze pads over the eyes and let them act for about 10 minutes.

Flaxseed oil for dry eye and other foods

In addition to the above home remedies to relieve dry eyes, many ophthalmologists recommend consuming flaxseed oil for patients. This oil is wealthy in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are nutrients that help improve dry eyes by reducing dehydration, burning, redness, and other visual disturbances. To take it properly, we recommend that you consult Flaxseed oil’s article: properties and benefits.

In this sense, it is also advisable to include foods rich in omega-3s in the daily diet, which are also excellent for good visual development and prevent macular degeneration with age. Among the foods with more essential fatty acids of this type are the following:

• Blue Fish
• Yolk
• Seafood
• Vegetable oils
• Chia
• Sesame seed
• Nuts

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies to relieve dry eyes , we recommend that you enter our Eyes and Vision category .

Alivia Nyhan

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.