You may have dry eye syndrome if your eyes itch or feel gritty. A lack of tears or poor quality usually causes it.
Numerous conditions, such as medicinal effects, time spent constantly on the phone or computer, reaction to pollution or dry air, using contact lenses, or ageing, can cause dry eyes. Whatever the cause, it’s an awful feeling.
What causes my dry eyes?
Dry eyes can happen for several causes. You make fewer tears as you age, and the teardrop you generate might lack the optimal combination of water, oil, and mucus. Certain disorders, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or arthritis, and certain drugs, such as beta blockers, antidepressants, anxiety meds, pain relievers, and antihistamines, might reduce tear production.
Contact lenses can occasionally create the problem, especially if you use these for more than advised. Using a desktop for long periods raises your risk of the dry eye since you may blink less frequently when looking at a digital display. A wave of tears sweeps over your eyes with each blink.
Dry eyes are more common in those who live in breezy or dry locations, as well as in women. Dry eye symptoms result from hormonal shifts caused by pregnancy and menopause, which impact eye hydration. The usage of contraceptive pills can contribute to the issue.
Home remedies for dry eyes
If you’re locked at home and avoiding social situations to keep yourself and many others safe, don’t despair – you can still receive comfort from your side effects. In addition to eye drops and moisturizers, you may try cures utilizing goods or things you already have in your pantry.
Put on your sunglasses.
Use wraparound sunglasses when going outside, especially if it’s windy, dusty, or there’s a danger of UV exposure. It will shield your eyes and minimize the likelihood of debris entering your eyes. Furthermore, the conjunctiva, a protective layer on the front of your eyes, might become red and inflamed whenever exposed to excessive quantities of UV light or dust. Using high-quality sunglasses will help to keep your eyes from becoming dry and irritated.
Photophobia, or extreme sensitivity to light, can result from dry eye syndrome. Using sunglasses can help to alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Increase your caffeine consumption.
According to research, caffeine may ease dry eyes by enhancing tear gland production. Conversely, caffeine can cause jitters, irritation, and insomnia, especially if you’re vulnerable to caffeine or drink it in large quantities.
Participants in one trial took capsules containing 200 mg to 600 milligrams of caffeine (equivalent to 2-6 cups of coffee) based on their weight.
Conversely, caffeine may function as a moderate diuretic in certain people, meaning they pass more water, thereby exacerbating the dry eye.
Alter your environment
Dry air, wind gusts, dirt, pollution, smog, and air conditioning can cause sudden eye dryness, so you may need to adjust your surroundings to prevent or alleviate it. Refuse to sit straight against air conditioners or fans using a cold-mist mister.
Including Omega-3 in your diet
Individuals who do not consume enough essential fatty acids are at risk of acquiring dry eye syndrome. According to research, omega-3 fatty acids can boost tear production and produce quality tears that moisten your eyes more effectively. Try adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, which are organically present in foods like salmon, sardines, anchovies, and flax seeds. Consuming fish oil capsules or even other omega-3 supplements is also quite effective.
Coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil benefits people with dry eyes by forming a protective barrier over the tear layers, resulting in less evaporation. Coconut oil is also antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Wet a cotton swab in coconut oil and lay that on your covered eyelid. Repeat this process several times a day until the eyes feel good.
Compress warmth
A warm compress boosts tear production and enhances flow to the eye region. This approach also relieves eye irritation by removing oils that might have been collected in your eyelid glands, increasing tear quality.
Warm water should be prepared in a bowl. Dip a clean, sticky gunk cloth in water, wring it out, and apply it over the eyes for no more than 10 minutes. If the compress cools, immerse it in warm water once more. Repeat this process multiple times daily for a few days or until the eyes feel better.
Cleanse your eyelids
One way to create superior-quality tears is to keep your eyelashes clean. You can accomplish this by rubbing a small quantity of a soft cleanser, including such baby shampoo, among your fingers until it turns foamy.
Gently relax your eyes and massage the cleanser to the top of the eyelids, right next to your eyelashes, before rinsing with hot water when your eyes are closed.
Take special care of regions containing makeup or face creams that may invade the tear film and irritate your eyes. To help your eyes restore moisture, follow the eyelid rinse with a lukewarm compress.
To relieve dry eye problems, repeat this procedure in the morning and at night.
Additional suggestions for preventing or alleviating dry eye problems
Blink a little more.
Blinking intentionally increases the production of tears, which can help keep the hydration in your eyes healthy. Though intentional blinking may appear odd, it is worthwhile to practice becoming accustomed to frequently blinking all day long — especially when staring at displays (whether on computers or electronic devices) for a long time.
Limit your alcohol consumption.
Consuming alcohol dehydrates your body, lowering the strength of your tears. Try decreasing or eliminating your alcohol usage to investigate whether there is a link between your alcohol intake and eye irritation.
Consume More Water
Drink plenty of water! Keeping hydrated benefits your eyes and is essential for producing healthy tears, removing debris, blinking, and seeing well.
Try to intake 8 to 10 glasses of water daily for eyesight and, of course, total physical well-being.
Home treatments can help with mild and transitory cases of the illness. Contact your doctor if the problems continue or intensify.
Quit smoking
Cigarette smoking can increase the risk of having dry eye syndrome by doubling the risk. Cigarette smoke is damaging to the eyes because it contains over 7,000 compounds that can irritate the eyes. Moreover, smoking can alter the makeup of your tears. If you smoke, you should think about stopping. Avoid places with a lot of heavy smoke when you’re a non-smoker.
