Do you suffer from dry eyes? It can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, not to mention itchy and irritating. While seeing your optometrist can help provide relief, there are ways you can also get daily relief yourself. Look no further if you’re looking for home remedies to help relieve your dry eyes.
Some of the common home remedies for dry eyes include warm compresses, good eye hygiene, blinking, omega-3 fatty acids, hydration, wraparound sunglasses, eye drops, and better sleep. Learning more about these home remedies can help you get relief from daily dry eye symptoms.
Home Remedies for Dry Eyes
Warm Compresses
A warm compress such as a Bruder mask is a tried and true method to ease symptoms of dry eyes. Utilizing a warm cloth will not produce the same results as it does not retain the heat very well.
When gently placed on the eyes, a warm compress can increase blood flow to glands that create oil for your eyes, which can help relieve dry eyes by increasing oil production. It can also reduce any pain associated with redness or discomfort.
When using a warm compress, it should be heated for 20 seconds in the microwave and then placed across your eyes for about 5-8 minutes. The warmth from the Bruder Mask can help keep your eyes hydrated and nourished so you can experience less pain and more comfort.
Good Eye Hygiene
A good eyelid hygiene routine is an effective home remedy for common dry eye complaints. It involves using preservative-free cleansers, eyelid wipes, and massaging along the upper and lower lid margins and around your eyes. Read more about which lid wipes are safe for the eyes in our previous blog here.
It’s important to be gentle when cleansing and avoid direct contact with the eyes or other sensitive skin.
Blinking More
Blinking helps prevent dehydration by spreading tears across the surface of the eye. Make a conscious effort to blink more often when using devices such as smartphones or laptops, as these devices can interrupt our natural blink rhythm.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in keeping our eyes healthy and lubricated. Incorporating foods rich in omega 3s into your diet, such as salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, soybeans, and tofu, can help improve tear quality by supporting the oily layer of your eyes, which can lead to less dryness in your eyes.
If you cannot obtain omega 3s in your diet, you can take omega-3 supplements that specifically target the oil glands. Not all omega-3’s are created the same so ensure to purchase ones that have a higher bioavailability and EPA:DHA ratio.
Hydration
One of the easiest remedies for dry eyes is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help keep your body and your eyes healthy! Even something as simple as having a glass of water at regular intervals throughout the day can make a big difference.
Wearing Wraparound Sunglasses
Wearing wraparound sunglasses helps block out the wind and sun, which can aggravate dry eye symptoms. Make sure to find sunglasses that fit snugly around your face without being too tight or causing any discomfort.
Using a Humidifier
Using a humidifier in your home or office helps keep the air moist, which can help reduce dry eye symptoms. Plus, it’s good for overall health since it helps reduce allergens in the air.
Drops
There are over-the-counter eye drops that offer relief. A good rule of thumb when picking out eye drops is to avoid those with preservatives because harsh chemicals can cause further irritation for a dry eye sufferer. Instead, look for preservative-free drops—these gentle formulations can help ease symptoms of dryness without causing harm.
If you’re considering using eye drops, it’s also recommended to speak with your optometrist first, so they can help you find eye drops that support any other vision needs you may have. Read our previous blog about the best dry eye drops that are in your eye doctor’s cabinet.
Better Quality Sleep
When we sleep, our immune system stays active and helps fight against inflammation, infection and trauma. It also gives our body a chance to rest and recover. Not getting enough sleep can lead to redness, fatigue, and irritation around the eyes, worsening existing dry eye symptoms or contributing to new ones.
Eat More Vitamins
Eating foods rich in vitamins C and E has been shown to support eye health and reduce the effects of chronic eye conditions like dry eyes. Try adding foods like leafy greens and fatty fish to your diet. Taking supplements is another option, but check with your eye doctor before taking any supplements!
Quitting Smoking
Smoking reduces oxygen levels in blood vessels around our eyes which could lead to further drying out and worsening of existing dry eye symptoms, as well as other ocular conditions such as macular degeneration.
Tackle Dry Eyes with Home Remedies and Expert Help
Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but with the right remedies, you can reduce their impact on your life.
While home remedies can help reduce the daily symptoms of dry eyes, if symptoms persist despite taking the most appropriate precautions, then it is best to seek an appointment with an eye doctor.
Remember that if you need help finding a local eye doctor, try our dry eye doctor locator. We understand how much of a struggle living with dry eyes can be, and we’re here to help you find treatments and strategies for dry eyes that can provide relief.
