Dry eyes syndrome can be a chronic condition causing discomfort and irritation. Luckily, nature offers several remedies that may help alleviate these symptoms. From the application of warm, limiting screen time, and maintaining proper hydration, to dietary changes that include oily fish, flaxseed, and nuts – there are several remerdies available. Discover these effective treatments and many more in the following sections.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye causes
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even blurry vision. The condition is often exacerbated by environmental factors such as wind, smoke, or dry air from heaters and air conditioners. In some cases, underlying health issues like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes can contribute to dry eyes. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in Vitamin A, can also play a role.
Limiting symptoms
As a result, there are a number of tips to help alleviate the symptoms. It’s important to consider lifestyle factors as well: prolonged screen time without breaks can reduce your blink rate, worsening symptoms. For those who wear contact lenses, switching to glasses periodically can help reduce eye strain. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also crucial to maintain eye hydratation.
How to help dry eyes?
Simple home remedies for dry eyes
Using simple home remedies for dry eye can effectively manage the condition. One popular method is having a regular eyelid hygiene including warm, blink and clean. This helps to unclog the Meibomian glands in your eyelids, promoting better tear quality. There are three steps to this:
- Heat your eyelids for 8 to 15 minutes with a USB heating mask
- Blink strongly 3 to 5 times under the mask from 6 minutes onwards
- Clean your eyelids with hydrating wipes
Make sure to blink more frequently, especially when using digital devices. This simple action helps spread moisture evenly across your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away (around 6 meters) for 20 seconds.
Consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air, particularly in dry climates or during winter months. This can prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.
What herbs are good for dry eyes?
Herbal remedies can be a natural way to alleviate dry eye symptoms. Some herbs have properties that promote eye health and hydratation.
For instance, Ginkgo biloba is known to enhance blood circulation to the eyes, potentially improving tear production. It can also protect eye cells from oxidative stress.
Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce eye irritation. You can incorporate turmeric into your diet or use it in warm milk for added benefits.
Chamomile is another herb that can soothe the eyes. Using chamomile tea bags as a compress can provide relief. Simply steep the tea bags, let them cool, and place them over your closed eyes for a few minutes.
Bilberry, rich in antioxidants, is believed to support eye health. Consuming bilberry supplements or tea may help reduce dry eye symptoms by strengthening blood vessels in the eyes.
Dietary Changes to Help Treat Dry Eyes
Incorporating specific dietary changes can play a significant role in managing dry eyes. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and support tear production. These can be found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as in flaxseeds and walnuts.
Consider adding vitamin A-rich foods to your diet, which are essential for maintaining healthy vision. Examples include sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale.
Vitamin C also contributes to eye health by protecting the tear film. Integrate citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli into your meals.
Zinc is another nutrient that supports eye health. You can get it from whole grains, beans, and nuts.
By focusing on these dietary adjustments, you can naturally improve your eye moisture and overall eye health.
The Role of Hydration in Treating Dry Eyes
Proper hydration is fundamental for alleviating dry eye symptoms. Drinking enough water helps maintain the moisture balance in your eyes, which is crucial for tear production. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to ensure adequate hydration, or between 1.5 and 2 liters.
In addition to water, consuming water-rich foods like cucumbers, tomatoes and watermelon can also contribute to your overall hydration. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you, such as those containing caffeine or alcohol.
Dry eye treatment
Short-Term management with Eye Drops for Dry Eye Relief
When selecting the best drops for dry eye relief, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your eyes and the ingredients in the drops. Preservative-free drops are often recommended for frequent use, as they reduce the risk of irritation. These types of drops are ideal for those with sensitive eyes or who use drops multiple times a day.
For individuals experiencing severe dry eye, gel-based drops might be more effective. They provide a thicker, longer-lasting barrier to keep the eyes moist. Gels are particularly good to use before going to bed, to avoid dry eyes at night.
If you wear contact lenses, look for rewetting drops specifically designed for lens wearers. These help keep your lenses comfortable and your eyes hydrated.
Eyedrops are a short-term treatment for immediate relief, but cannot completely eliminate dry eyes.
Can Dry Eyes Be Cured Permanently?
Long-Term Management of Dry Eye Syndrome
For effective long-term management of dry eye syndrome, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy has emerged as a promising option. IPL is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of light to target abnormal blood vessels around the eyes, improving the function of the Meibomian glands. These glands produce the essential oils that keep tears from evaporating too quickly, helping to alleviate dryness.
IPL therapy also has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce the overall symptoms of dry eyes. The treatment is typically performed in a series of sessions, with each session taking only a few minutes. 3 sessions spaced 15 days apart are required for the treatment to be effective. A 4th session is recommended to improve results. Generally, a follow-up session every 6 months is beneficial to maintain results.
By enhancing gland function and reducing inflammation, IPL can provide lasting relief, potentially decreasing the need for frequent use of eye drops and other short-term remedies. However, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional to determine if IPL is the right approach for you
