Dry eye symptoms can impact your daily life, making activities like reading, working on a computer, or even enjoying a walk outdoors uncomfortable. If you’re among the many people experiencing dry eye, there is hope.
Several home remedies can help alleviate your symptoms and improve eye comfort:
- Eye drops
- Reduce screen time
- Warm compresses
- Hydration and nutrition
- Blinking exercises
- Eye massage
- Adjust your environment
- Use a humidifier
- Avoid eye irritants
- Omega-3 fatty acids
However, if your symptoms persist despite trying these remedies at home, there may be an underlying cause that needs attention. An eye exam and dry eye assessment can determine the root cause of your dry eye for personalized treatment and relief.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a surface ocular disease that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This condition can lead to vision discomfort and dry eye symptoms. Besides dryness, you can experience the following:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye pain
- Redness in the eyes
- A feeling that something is in your eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excess watering
Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:
- Environmental factors like wind, smoke, and dry indoor air.
- Lifestyle factors such as excessive screen time without breaks.
- Age as tear production decreases with age.
- Medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants.
- Health conditions like autoimmune diseases.
10 Home Remedies for Dry Eye Relief
You can try the following 10 remedies to help manage your dry eye symptoms at home.
- Eye Drops
Eye drops, such as preservative-free artificial tears, can provide relief for dry eyes. However, it’s important to note that, while these drops provide temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying causes of dry eyes. Consult your eye doctor to determine which type of eye drops to use for your particular needs and to get advice on how and when to use them.
- Reduce Screen Time
In today’s digital age, many of us spend significant amounts of time on screens, whether for work or leisure. However, excessive screen time can contribute to dry eyes.
Try reducing your screen time and taking frequent breaks while using electronic devices to help prevent or alleviate dry eyes. Doing this and adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on your device gives your eyes time to rest and can also help reduce eye strain.
- Warm Compresses
A warm compress on the eyes can help unclog blocked oil glands in the eyelids, helping to improve tear quality and moisture in the eyes. Use a clean cloth soaked in warm water, wring out excess moisture, and place it over your closed eyes for several minutes.
- Hydration & Nutrition
Drink lots of water and maintain a balanced diet to support tear production and eye health. Foods like orange peppers, kiwi and nuts and seeds are particularly beneficial.
- Blinking Exercises
Practicing conscious blinking exercises can help spread your natural tears evenly across your eyes. When your eyes feel dry, blink slowly several times to refresh your tears.
- Eye Massage
A gentle eyelid massage can stimulate the meibomian glands, which produce the oil in tears. Use clean fingertips to massage your closed eyelids softly in a circular motion.
- Adjust Your Environment
Minimize exposure to direct wind and reduce your use of fans and air conditioning. If necessary, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes outdoors.
- Use a Humidifier
Add moisture to the air with a humidifier to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly, especially in dry indoor environments.
- Avoid Eye Irritants
Limit exposure to smoke, dust, and strong winds. Consider using protective eyewear in harsh environments to shield your eyes.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Incorporate foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, into your diet. These nutrients can improve eye health.
When to Seek Professional Treatment
While home remedies can be effective, there are times when professional care and treatment are needed. If you suspect you have dry eyes, take our dry eye questionnaire for guidance and then seek treatment from your eye doctor. They may recommend the following dry eye treatments based on the severity of your dry eye:
- Prescription eye drops: Helps reduce inflammation and severe dry eye symptoms.
- Tear substitutes: If prescription eye drops aren’t effective, advanced dry eye cases can benefit from a tear substitute.
- BlephEx and ZEST: In-office treatments that remove bacterial overgrowth and buildup from the eyelids.
- IPL and RF: Intense pulsed light and radiofrequency use light energy to warm blocked oil glands and improve tear quality.
- Punctal plugs: Temporary or permanent insertion of tiny plugs placed in the tear duct to decrease the tear drainage.
Personalized Dry Eye Treatment
Simple home remedies can help you take control of your dry eye symptoms. However, don’t forget the importance of routine eye care. With regular eye exams, your eye doctor can monitor your eye health and address changes promptly.If your dry eye symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with your daily life, book an appointment with Southwood Eyecare for personalized treatment based on underlying causes.
