Dry eyes is an uncomfortable and painful condition in which the tear glands don’t produce enough moisture to lubricate the eyes. The symptoms can include a scratchy, dry, and painful sensation; frequently feeling like there is something in your eye; redness, and blurred vision. Dry eyes can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, allergies, environmental factors, and side effects from medications or medical conditions.
There are natural remedies and dietary recommendations that are used to ease the irritating symptoms of dry eyes, such as:
1. Reduce sugar intake
Doctors suggest the reduced intake of sugar and artificial sweeteners have a direct impact on dry eyes. High sugar levels affect the eye and it is only prudent that people with chronic or severe dry eyes, cut down on sugar.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids
Increasing intake of Omega-3 fatty acids either directly through food or through supplements has shown results of improving symptoms of dry eye. Food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids is found in oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout. These foods help release the oil in the tear ducts and also improve the functioning of the tear glands, making it one of the best foods for the natural treatments for dry eyes.
3. Vitamins A and B12
Lack of vitamins A and B12 has been linked to many eye-related diseases including dry eyes. Increasing the intake of such vitamin-rich foods that are commonly available is one definite way of improving symptoms over a period of time. Regular inclusion of eggs, milk, brightly colored vegetables and fruits like carrots, mangoes, cantaloupes, and leafy greens can not only reduce dry eye symptoms but also improve overall health.
4. Vitamin D
Studies have shown that persons with a lack of Vitamin D are more likely to have dry eyes. A healthy dose of sunshine is the best remedy to improve Vitamin D levels. For those living in areas with less scope of sunlight, they can consult a doctor and take Vitamin D supplements.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in vitamins and eating a cup of yogurt every day for breakfast or as a snack can help improve symptoms. Yogurt is one of the best foods for natural treatment for dry eyes.
6. Castor oil
Castor and coconut oils have been used commonly by households in Asian countries to lubricate the eye. Ensure that you buy high-quality and tested oils and get your healthcare professional consent before using it. You can use 1 or 2 drops twice every day to improve the symptoms.
7. Cucumber slices
Placing chilled slices cucumber over closed eyes can provide immediate relief as it contains a lot of water. You can two this twice or thrice a day and relax for 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Chamomile tea
Make a glass of chamomile tea and strain and cool it. Dip cotton pads in the chilled tea and place them over your eyes. This helps you to relax as well as improve dry eye symptoms. Similar preparation using fennels seeds to provide relief.
9. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and also cools the body. Applying aloe vera gel on your eyelid during the day or before bed, can help tear secretion.
10. Essential oils
Many essential oils act as great natural treatments for dry eyes, including the following:
- Lavender
Dip a washcloth in a mixture of warm water and two drops of lavender oil and place it over your eyes - Chamomile
Dip a washcloth in a mixture of warm water and two drops of chamomile oil and place it over your eyes - Olive Oil
Massaging small amounts of olive oil on the eyelids helps in tear production,
You can repeat these methods two or three times a day for these natural treatments for dry eyes to be more effective.
