6 Natural Treatments for Dry Eyes
The number of people looking for dry eye treatments is increasing by the day as dry eyes has become one of the most commonly occurring eye problems. Proper medicines with significantly improved lifestyle can reduce the occurrence of this syndrome to a great extent.
Dry eyes are caused when your eyes lose their ability to produce enough tears to wash off dirt from the eyes. Tears help keep your eyes healthy and warm and if they dry up, your eyes will start to itch. Dry eyes can cause extreme discomfort and you can treat and prevent it by following some simple steps discussed below.
1. Blink more frequently
You tend to blink less when you sit in front of your computer or tablet, which can aggravate your dry eye symptoms. Make an effort to blink more frequently, especially while working and watching movies and shows. Also, try to blink fully by completely closing your eyes so that enough tears are produced.
2. Avoid using contact lens
If you significantly reduce your contact lens usage, it can help treat dry eye syndrome. Wearing contact lenses regularly hides any underlying eye disease and prevents you from blinking rapidly. It is best to wear disposable contact lenses when you are undergoing your dry eye treatment.
3. Intake more omega-3 vitamins
Fish oils contain omega-3 vitamins which help in giving healthy fats to your eyes. Eat plenty of seafood like salmon, tuna, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as walnuts, canola oil, and soybean oil, which are rich in omega-3. These healthy fats also help in reducing the irritation in your eyes. You can also take omega-3 supplements; however, consult your doctor before taking these.
4. Drink plenty of water
Water is one of the most important components of your body as it helps maintain the fluid content of your body. Loss of body fluids causes dehydration, which may lead to dry eyes. Eat water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber, which are a good source for your fluid intake.
5. Avoid smoking and caffeine
Smoking causes detrimental effects to your eyes, so it is best to avoid smoking. Moreover, cut down your caffeine intake as caffeine makes you lose your sleep, which is another cause of dry eyes.
6. Take care of your eyelids
Taking care of your eyelids is an important measure for dry eye treatment. You can try warm water compress, which helps in releasing excess oils from your glands. Wash your eyes regularly with baby soap and lukewarm water and rinse off properly using soak papers. You must focus on healthy eating habits to significantly reduce your symptoms of dry eyes.
You can also use over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops for dry eye treatment; however, it is advisable to consult your ophthalmologist before arriving at any kind of decision.