6 Remedies You Can Try To Hydrate Eyes Naturally

Dry eyes, referred to as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a prevalent eye condition resulting from insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation. Tears are vital for preserving eye health and comfort, as they lubricate the surface and protect the eyes from debris and irritants.

When the tear production is insufficient or of poor quality, the eyes may become dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. The condition can affect people of all ages, but it tends to be more prevalent in older adults, especially women.

Symptoms of dry eyes can vary in severity and may include:

- Persistent dryness and discomfort in the eyes
- A sensation of grittiness or foreign body in the eye
- Redness and irritation
- Watery eyes (as a reflex response to the dryness)
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes, such as environmental conditions (dry or windy weather), prolonged screen use, certain medications, hormonal changes, and medical conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes.

If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to complications, including damage to the cornea, which may affect vision. Therefore, seeking proper diagnosis and management is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

Treatment for dry eyes typically involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter eye drops, prescription medications, and in severe cases, procedures to block tear drainage or stimulate tear production.

If you experience persistent eye discomfort, it is crucial to consult an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, to receive a comprehensive eye examination and appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition. Early detection and proper management can significantly improve the comfort and health of your eyes.

# Clean your Eyelids

Regularly cleaning your eyelids and lashes with an eye cleaner or mild shampoo can effectively help moisturize your eyes, reducing dryness primarily caused by blepharitis, which is the blockage of oil glands located at the edges of your eyelids due to the accumulation of dirt and debris. This simple routine can also alleviate irritation.

To clean your eyelids effectively, follow these steps:

- Choose a mild baby shampoo or eye cleaner.

- Gently close your eyelids and apply the cleaner to the upper and lower eyelids.

- With gentle movements, rub the cleaner along the eyelids to remove any debris and buildup.

- Rinse your eyes thoroughly with warm water.

- For optimal results, repeat this cleaning procedure regularly, preferably before bedtime, to treat dry eyes and experience relief overnight.

# Warm Compression for Dry eyes

Using warm compression is a beneficial method to rinse the eyes and promote increased blood flow, which can help soothe eye irritation by reducing inflammation.

One of the vital components of tears is oil, and in the case of dry eyes, the oil glands can become clogged. Warm compression aids in improving the functioning of these oil glands by unclogging them, thus addressing the issue of dry eyes. Additionally, warm compression slows down the evaporation of tears, contributing to better eye lubrication.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform warm compression:

- Take a clean, damp towel and heat it either in the microwave or by dipping it in hot water.

- Gently apply the warm towel to your eyelids and keep it there for 5-10 minutes.

- If the towel cools down, reheat it as needed to maintain the warmth.

- For best results, repeat this warm compression process several times a day to naturally moisturize the eyes and alleviate dryness.

By incorporating warm compression into your daily routine, you can help enhance the health and comfort of your eyes and alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes effectively.

# Foods to help Dry eyes

A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help treat dry eyes. Omega-3-containing diet can reduce inflammation and increase the quanity of tears produced.

Omega-3 rich diet for dry eyes includes:

Fish (Salmon)
Flaxseeds
Soybean
Broccoli

Dry eyes have been associated with vitamin D deficiency as well. A vitamin D-rich diet reduces inflammation and dry eye syndrome symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation also increases the efficiency of lubricating eye drops.

Vitamin- D rich foods includes:

Dairy products
Beef liver
Chia seeds

# Hydration improves Dry eyes naturally

Water plays a crucial role in maintaining overall bodily functions, including the health of our eyes. When we are dehydrated, waste removal from the body is affected, which can lead to eye strain and dryness.

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for increasing tear production from the lacrimal glands, ensuring the eyes remain moist. Additionally, staying hydrated helps clear away accumulated dust and irritants around the eyelids.

To prevent and naturally treat dry eyes, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends consuming 6-8 glasses of water daily. While various juices and beverages can serve as substitutes for water to keep yourself hydrated, it is advisable to avoid caffeine due to its diuretic effect.

# Blinking help Dry eyes

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that an average person blinks approximately 15 times per minute. However, if you suffer from dry eyes, you may need to double that blinking rate.

Blinking serves several essential purposes for eye health. It helps to open clogged tear glands, facilitating the even distribution of tears over the surface of the eyes. This regular blinking also renews the tear film, which plays a crucial role in keeping the eyes moisturized and protecting them from irritants.

Therefore, if you experience dry eyes, increasing your blinking frequency can be beneficial in promoting better eye lubrication and reducing discomfort caused by dryness.

# Humidifer is Good for Dry eyes

A highly effective home remedy for dry eyes involves using a humidifier. Dry environments with low humidity can lead to an increased incidence of dry eyes by reducing tear production.

To alleviate dry eye symptoms, particularly when exposed to prolonged periods of dry air, it is essential to avoid using a hair dryer, as it may further irritate the eyes due to decreased tear production.

The benefits of using a humidifier include:

- Increasing tear film stability

- Reducing evaporation of tears

- Keeping the eyes moisturized through increased air humidity.

Here's how to use a humidifier effectively:

- Install a humidifier in your room, especially at night, as eye irritation tends to worsen in the morning.

- Use distilled water to fill the humidifier, as this helps maintain its effectiveness and prevents the dispersion of impurities.

- Regularly clean and change the filters of the humidifier to ensure its proper functioning and to prevent the buildup of potentially harmful particles.

By incorporating a humidifier into your living space and following these guidelines, you can significantly improve the moisture levels in the air, providing relief for dry eyes and reducing discomfort caused by the lack of humidity.