Dry eyes are uncomfortable, painful, and may cause damage to your eyes if left untreated. Dry eyes occur when the eyes don’t produce adequate lubrication through tears and natural oils. Chronic dry eyes can lead to symptoms of irritation, inflammation, redness, pain, itchiness, and blurry vision. Dry eyes can be caused by lack of humidity, staring at a computer screen for too long, smoking, or any number of medical conditions including allergies, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders and vitamin deficiencies.
Some risk factors for dry eyes include advanced age, frequent use of contact lenses, smoking, low blink rate due to screen time, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and environmental issues. Some of these risks cannot be avoided, but you can lessen symptoms of dry eyes by using these natural remedies:
1. Vitamins
A lack of vitamins A, B12, and D can cause dry eyes. Ask your physicians for the best supplements to add vitamins to your diet. You need sufficient vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamins B6 and B9, riboflavin, niacin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and thiamine. Eat a balanced diet, including vitamins and minerals, to improve your eye health.
2. Fish oils
Tuna and salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout have omega-3 fatty acids. Healthy fats keep the oil-making glands in your eye working well, so you don’t experience irritation. You can also eat walnuts, use vegetable oils, and flaxseed to get your daily dosage of omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Stop smoking and limit drinking
Alcohol is dehydrating to your body, and excess alcohol consumption can dry out your eyes. Studies have found alcohol limits the release of a hormone that is needed for water reabsorption. Limit your alcohol intake, and you may find your eyes are less dry.
Smoking changes the composition of your tears, and this can cause dry eye symptoms. There are over 7,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke that irritate the eyes. A recent university study finds tobacco smoke breaks down the lipid layer of the tear film, and this leads to dry eyes.
4. Drink water
Drinking water is good for your body and your eyes. Water lubricates your eyes and allows them to produce tears. Without proper hydration, eyes can’t clear out debris like salt in the body, blink, or see without strain.
5. Get more sleep
A lack of sleep robs your eyes of tears. Lack of tears causes eye issues if you are prone to dry eyes. Insomnia does not allow your eyes to get needed fluid circulation that is necessary to renew and clean your eyes.
6. Take care of your eyes
Apply warm compresses to your eyes and wash your eyelids and lashes with baby shampoo to keep lid inflammation, plus did grim out of your eyes. Washing and warm compresses will improve the quality of your tears, soothe your dry eyes, and help with keeping your eyes clean.
Tears lubricate your eyes, keep the surface of your eye stays smooth, hydrated, and comfortable. When our eyes are dry, they are subject to infections and inflammations. Follow a few of these natural tips to keep your eyes hydrated. Check with your physician if you suffer with dry, itchy, irritated eyes.