
10 Best Dry Eye Remedies
Changes in hormones, environmental conditions, and age can often give rise to the condition known as dry eyes. The syndrome occurs when insufficient tears are produced in the eyes, leading to swelling and trauma along the surface of the eye. The condition can be improved by simply changing lifestyle habits and trying certain remedies. Here are a few ways to keep dry eye syndrome under check:
1. Keep the eye area clean
Maintaining proper eye health pertains to keeping the eye area clean so that any kind of swelling and infection along the eyelids stay under control. This can be achieved using a mild shampoo to clean the eye area.
2. Use a warm towel
To improve dry eye condition, using a wet towel dipped in warm water along the eye area proves helpful, as heat aids in reducing itching due to dry eye. It also aids in triggering the meibomian gland, leading to better lubrication of the eyes.
3. Get adequate sleep
Several benefits are associated with a proper sleep schedule, the primary being better health and immunity. Additionally, in the case of dry eyes, it even leads to a reduction in inflammation and better recovery.
4. Maintain hydration levels
There is a close link between the amount of water a person drinks and the amount of tears produced in the eyes, as tears are primarily composed of water. Drinking enough water throughout the day as per the environment and overall health aids in the better management of dry eyes.
5. Take digital breaks and blink frequently
The increased usage of digital screens leads to eye strain as people tend to blink less while using these gadgets. This often elevates the problem of dry eyes, so it becomes important to blink more frequently and adopt the 20-20-20 rule: move away from the screen every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds and look at something placed 20 feet away to let the eye readjust.
6. Use drops
Multiple types of eye drops are available that aid in lubricating the eyes and safeguarding their surface against bacterial invasion. Using these drops after consulting an optometrist will assist in improving dry eye symptoms.
7. Eat healthy food
Several vitamins and minerals play a significant role in boosting eye health. This includes omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Eating nutrient-enriched foods that include these vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals helps lower the chance of developing dry eye symptoms.
8. Use glares
Sunglasses have proven to be very beneficial in protecting the eyes against harmful UV rays and other pollutants present in the air. Furthermore, these also keep irritants that elevate dry eye symptoms at bay.
9. Invest in a humidifier
This reduces the symptoms of dry eyes, dry throat, and congestion along the sinus. Using a humidifier will be extremely helpful as it assists in increasing the humidity of the air so that symptoms related to dryness remain at bay.
10. Use herbal remedies
Plants like chamomile are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties. Dip cotton into a chamomile tea infusion to treat dry eyes and place it over the eyelids for around 10 minutes to get relief.