Dry Eyes Causes & Natural Home Remedies for Treating It

When you cry, you feel light at heart. The tears help in lubricating and nourishing your eyes. Some of you experience dry eyes, especially if your job requires spending long hours in front of the computer or laptop. Most people do not take dry eyes seriously. But it is important that you take care of your dry eyes. If neglected, it can even lead to blindness in extreme cases.

What is dry eye? It’s Causes:

Dry is known medically as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. More than 60% of the population in the world is affected by dry eyes. The basic cause for dry eye is lack of lubrication. Your eyes turn dry and become inflamed and red. Sometimes your vision may also turn blurred. Many factors like watching TV or reading books for a long time, spending too much time in front of the computer and laptop. Smoking, consumption of alcohol, depression, hypertension, allergies and exposure to harsh weather can cause dry eyes.

There are home remedies for treating dry eyes. But along with it, you also need to change your lifestyle for treating dry eyes syndrome.

Dry Eye Home Remedies:

Aloe vera:

Apply aloe vera gel that is taken fresh form the plant on your eyelids for 10 days. You will notice the difference. You can also include aloe vera juice in your daily diet.

Castor oil:

Castor oil also can restore and retain the moisture in your eyes. Apply it on and around your eyes to prevent dryness of your eyes.

Cucumber:

Cucumber is well known for its cooling and smoothing effects. It helps in soothing the tired eye muscles. In addition, it also helps in rejuvenating and revitalizing the circulatory system.

Chamomile tea:

Chamomile is known for its natural anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Chamomile tea can restore the lost moisture in your eyes and also soothe the tired eyes. All you have to do is to add 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers to 200 ml of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Strain it and put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Now dip cotton balls in chilled tea and place them on your closed eyelids. Relax for 15 minutes. Repeat it and you will feel rejuvenated.

Fennel seeds tea:

Fennel seeds are known for their natural remedies and are excellent for your eyes. Take one teaspoon of fennel seeds and steep it in 200 ml of water for 15 minutes. Strain it and let it cool down to room temperature. Dip cotton balls in the warm tea and place them over your eyes. Wait for15 minutes. This will provide you immediate relief.

Honey:

Make homemade eye drop by mixing 1 tsp of clean and pure water with 1 tsp of honey. Add 2 drops of this eye drop into each eye three times a day.

Milk:

Milk contains a number of enzymes which help in soothing and relaxing the muscles of the eyes. Dip a cotton ball in cool milk and place it over your closed eyelids. Relax for 10 minutes. You can also add a few drops on rose water to milk. This enhances its benefits.

Dry Eyes Lifestyle Remedies:

Avoid exposure to wind and sun in excess:

After you come back from a tedious trip, you feel your eyes turning red and swollen. This is because your eyes come in contact with the air as you travel and gaze at the beautiful scenery passing by. Excessive exposure to wind and sun removes the moisture from your eyes and as a result, your eyes become dry and red. You can wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harsh wind and sunlight.

Do not stare at the PC or television for a long time:

For every 60 minutes you gaze at your computer or television screen, take a break for about two minutes and then get up from your seat. You can take a short walk or engage in some other activity. This will soothe your eyes an also prevents other disorders of your eyes, including myopia.

Identify the triggers:

First of all try to identify what the cause for dry eyes is. Check whether it is because you spend long hours in front of your PC or due to some allergy. Once you identity the trigger, avoid it or try to reduce the time you spend with it.

Keep blinking:

Usually we blink about 20 times in one minute and this is an involuntary action. If you use PC for a long time or if you read for long hours, you will have to increase the number of times you blink.

Munch on antioxidants:

Include foods rich in antioxidants like green leaves, spinach and kale in your daily diet.  Fruits are also good for your eyes, especially berries. They are loaded with antioxidants.

Opt for potassium and zinc rich foods:

Minerals are very essential for your eyes, especially potassium and zinc. Low level of potassium is one of the reasons for dry eyes. So, make sure that you include foods rich in potassium in your diet, such as bananas, figs, wheat germ, pecans, raisins, dates, avocados and almonds. Zinc is also important for your eyes. Foods rich in zinc are mushrooms, sunflower seeds, whole grains and assorted legumes.

Retain the moisture level of your room:

Your room can also make your eyes dry, especially if you are living in a high rise apartment. With increase in altitude, there is a decrease in the level of humidity. So, you need to retain moisture in your room. You can use humidifier to solve this issue. Try to reduce the use of AC as much as possible as this also results in dry eyes.

Wash your eyes often:

You can prevent dry eyes by keeping your eyes well hydrated. Wash your eyes often with tap water. This not only provides moisture to your eyes but also helps in refreshing your eyes.