Dry eyes are a problem for many people; however, they do not want to turn to over-the-counter medications or prescriptions to treat their symptoms. There are some natural remedies that you can try to treat dry eye syndrome that may provide you some relief without medications.
Warm compress
Place a warm washcloth compress on your closed eyelids several times throughout the day. Since tears are made from water, oil and mucus just using over the counter eye drops may not replace the oil in your tears. The warm compress will help to open clogged oil glands in the eyelids and replenish the oil in your tears.
Use humidifiers and turn vents away from you
Your environment can affect your tear production and cause your eyes to be dry and/or itchy. Keeping the air moist can prevent the mucous membranes from drying out causing dry, itchy eyes. Use a humidifier in your home, especially in the winter months when heat will dry the air in your home, to help moisturize the air. Furthermore, air blowing directly at your face can dry your eyes so turn air vents away from areas where you spent a great deal of time. This is very important if you use forced hot-air heating because this will dry eyes out very quickly.
Omega-3 and Flaxseed Oil
Studies have shown that people suffering from dry eye syndrome have found relief by taking Omega-3 and Flaxseed Oil Supplements. According to DryEyeSyndrome.net, adding Omega-3 to your diet can reduce the occurrence of dry eye syndrome. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon, tuna, sardines, herring and cod liver oil. Furthermore, increasing flaxseed oil in your diet can also reduce dry eye syndrome. Flaxseed oil should always be taken orally and never applied to the eye. You can purchase supplements containing the flaxseed oil.
Adjust Your Diet
What you eat has a direct effect on your body including your eyes. If you diet is high in complex carbohydrates, it is believed that the sugar spikes could affect your eyes in a negative way. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are better for your eyes and should include foods rich in the following vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin C & E, fatty acids, zinc and selenium. Suggested foods would include carrots, cod liver oil, spinach, collard greens, sweet peppers, strawberries, oranges, broccoli, sunflower seeds, almonds, salmon and cherries.
Blinking and resting your eyes
Unbelievably, this was listed on almost every site I reviewed and researched as a remedy for dry eyes. I would think this would be common sense but after reading through the material, I realized that we are not aware of the problem. People who work at computers, play video games, read, sew or do other activities involving concentration with their eyes tend to blink less per minute than the average person does. This will, of course, dry the eyes and cause problems. Take break often and close your eyes to rest them during the work day or certain activities. Try to make a conscious effort to blink often.
Sources: MotherNature.com (The Doctors Book of Home Remedies)
DryEyeSyndrome.net
