Top 5 Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are the result of various factors, including dehydration, dust, or particle settlement. It also occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes hydrated. Healthy eyes tear up all day. The tears contain water, mucus, and oil. In most situations, the eyes tear up to remove any dust or allergies from the eyes.
Here are simple and natural remedies that can clear dry eyes.
1. Applying a warm wet cloth
Applying a warm, wet cloth over the eyes and resting for a few minutes wets the eyes, while the warmth initiates tearing in the eyes. Wiping the eyes with a warm, wet cloth also cleans the crusty lids off the dried-up tears. Alternatively, a dry, warm compress also helps alleviate dryness in the eyes. Warm a soft hand towel and gently press it over the eyes, and later wipe a damp towel over the eye. Cleaning the eyes with a wet cloth also makes the eyes feel fresh. Repeating this procedure every two or three hours can help the eyes tear up regularly.
2. Blinking more often
Similar to closing and resting your eyes for a few seconds, blinking often can spread the moisture around the eyes. Studies report that when eyes are focussed on an object during activities like reading or watching a screen for a longer duration, the rate at which the eyes blink is reduced to three or four times a minute. This dehydrates the eyes, causing a burning or stinging sensation. Closing your eyes for five to ten seconds and repeating this a few more times throughout the day can help wet the eyes and reduce the burning or stinging sensation. Closing the eyes for about five seconds can remarkably increase the tearing up of the eyes.
3. Eating natural fatty acids and vitamins
Including foods that contain natural fatty acids and vitamins, such as Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamine, and vitamin C and E reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.
Omega-3 oils can be found in salmon, tuna, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, palm, and soybean oil. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, while vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, lutein, thiamine, vitamin B6, B9, C, and E can be obtained by eating vegetables and fruits, such as apple, grapes, cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, oranges, peaches, kale, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.
4. Getting some sleep
Sleeping relieves a lot of stress, and it also allows the body to recover naturally. Dryness of the eyes is also caused due to fatigue. A good night’s sleep can initiate deep rest in the body, which causes the eyes to rest and secrete tears, which enables healing and reduction of burning and stinging sensation. The results are evident after about six to eight hours of sleep.
5. Drinking more water
Water does more good than one can imagine. Dehydration is a major cause of dryness in the eyes. Replenishing the body with enough water lubricates the eyes and keeps them healthy. Doctors recommend drinking about eight to ten glasses of water every day.