Natural Treatment for Dry Eyes

Our eyes contain special glands that secrete materials (tears) to keep them lubricated. But due to several reasons, these glands may not function properly or inadequately that may result in dryness of the eye. Common symptoms of eye dryness include itching, gritty feeling, light sensitivity, etc.

Eye dryness is a common problem that is present in many people. It may be caused by environmental factors, nutrition deficiency, or some lifestyle changes. On few occasions, eye dryness is a symptom of a more serious problem where complete medical examination and treatment are required. 

But on most occasions, dryness of the eye can easily be prevented and cured by using few natural ways. These natural treatments for dry eyes have been proved scientifically. Few common natural ways to prevent and cure eye dryness are given here:

How to Treat Dry Eyes Naturally

Vitamin A

The relation between vitamin A and eye dryness is well known. Vitamin A plays an important role in functioning of mucous membranes all over the body including mucous membranes in eyes. These membranes secrete lubricating material that keeps the eyes healthy. In fact, dry eyes and night blindness are the initial signs of vitamin A deficiency. A study proves that short-term oral Vitamin A supplementation improves quality of tears in patients with dry eyes. 

Vitamin A improves tear quality in eyes

Deficiency of vitamin A is common in several developing countries. But one can easily add this vitamin in diet. This vitamin is present in abundance in several foods especially liver (of mammals, birds and fish), egg yolk, whole milk (butterfat), carrots, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes etc.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another fat-soluble vitamin present in animal fats. But this can also synthesized through UV rays of sun. Vitamin D is especially known for bone health but latest studies have shown that it can also play role in reliving from eye dryness. Recent research has proved that Vitamin D deficiency produces eye dryness and impaired tear function. Supplementation or adequate intake of vitamin D promotes tear secretion and treats patients with dry eye syndrome (DYS). 

Omega 3

Omega 3 is an important dietary ingredient that provides several benefits to body. There are also few reports of its beneficial effects on eye dryness. Though, a recent study shows that omega 3 is not very beneficial for dry eyes. But even then, few previous studies show their possible positive impact for dry eyes. As omega 3 has several other benefits, so there is no harm in using omega 3 during eye dryness. There is a possibility it may provide some relief to this eye condition.  

Use Sunglasses

Another very simple and effective way to prevent and cure eye dryness is by using high quality sunglasses while outside. These glasses are necessary in two ways. Bright sunlight is an important factor that triggers dry eye symptoms. You can avoid bright sunlight by using high quality sunglasses. 

Wearing sunglasses is effective against eye dryness

Another important reason to use sunglasses while outside, is to minimize the impact of dry air on eyes. Dry air also causes dryness of eye as it evaporates tears easily. It is important to use sunglasses that cover all parts of eye (especially wraparound sunglasses) and provide complete protection from bright sunlight dry wind.

Blink More

Another natural and simple way to prevent eye dryness is by blinking more. Blinking eyes is a natural way to produce tears. It is especially important when you are using electronic devices like compute, smartphones, TV etc. Therefore, try to blink more while using these devices and also whenever you feel some gritty feelings in eyes due to eye dryness.

Limit Computer and Smartphone Usage

Reduction in blinking is one reason that these modern electronic devices are proving harmful for dry eye syndrome. But in fact, there is more harm for such devices than that. Recent study shows that blue light is harmful for dry eyes. As blue light is most destructive at night (sun is the main source of blue light at day), which is mainly due to exposure through these modern electronic devices.

Therefore, it is important to reduce overall time on these devices, take frequent brakes during their usage, blink more and especially minimize their use at night time. This will not only assist in preventing damage of eye dryness but also provide other health benefits.

Eye Makeup Precautions

Eye makeup can make the situation worse if you are suffering from eye dryness. In this condition, it is necessary to make few changes in your habit of eye makeup. The first thing is to minimize the use of eye makeup. But if eye makeup application is necessary, then make sure to use lubricating eye drops before applying eye makeup. An extremely important thing to ensure is removing eye makeup completely before going to bed. These measures will help you avoid damaging effects of eye makeup.

Clean Eyelids

The glands that secrete tears are located inside or outside of the eyes. An important gland on (upper and lower) eyelids is Meibomian gland that secretes oil to lubricate eyes. The function of this gland is disturbed with factors with eye makeup and contact lens. To keep these glands healthy, it is necessary to clean your eyelids with wet soft cloth every night. This will eliminate dirt and any other material affecting the function of Meibomian gland.