Health experts estimate that as much as 50% of the population deals with dry eyes regularly. For these people, the condition can be caused by medical issues as well as environmental factors. Even if you only deal with dry eyes every now and then, it’s good to know how you can ease your pain and discomfort without reaching for prescription medication.
1. Add Some Omega-3 Fatty Acids To Your Diet
Much of the issues with dry eyes come from inflammation and the lack of lubrication. Omega-3 fatty acids can combat both of these problems. While you can take supplements, adding foods like fatty fish, chia seeds, flaxseed, and palm oil will have additional health benefits.
2. Hydrate Often
Another way to deal with dry eyes is to ensure that your body is properly hydrated. The usual recommendation is 8 glasses per day but this will change depending on your environment.
Persons who are living in a dry area or who spend a lot of time in the sun will need more water.
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3. Consider Getting Multivitamin Supplements
Recent studies show that incorporating Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Riboflavin, Niacin, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Thiamine is essential for general eye health.
A diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products should give you what you need but a multivitamin supplement can work as well.
4. Cut Down On Alcohol
The last thing you need when you have dry eyes is further dehydration. That’s why it’s a good idea to cut back on drinking alcohol when you’re already dealing with dry eyes.
5. Use Warm Compresses
Warm compresses will not only soothe the discomfort of dry eyes but will also encourage tear production. You can use these compresses as often as it takes to feel better.
6. Stop Smoking And Avoid Cigarette Smoke
Both smoking and cigarette smoking have negative effects on your eyes. The chemicals in cigarettes affect how well your eyes produce lubrication while the smoke is a significant irritant.
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7. Keep Your Diabetes Under Control
This tip is most helpful for persons who are also living with diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your eyes.
Dry eyes might be the first obvious sign but if you don’t address the cause, you could experience issues with your vision. Make sure to stay on top of your medication or get a check-up if you think you have undiagnosed diabetes.
8. Practice Eye Massages
Apart from compresses, eye massages are a great way to get direct relief from the symptoms of your dry eyes. If you’re up to it, using warm water and baby shampoo to rinse your eyes can improve oil and tear production in your eyes. Make sure you do your research and follow the steps carefully.
9. When To Get A Doctor Involved
If your dry eyes are being caused by your environment, aging, or simply a need for rest, taking care of them should work. However, dry eyes caused by certain medical conditions might not respond to natural remedies.
Give your doctor a call if you’re also experiencing the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Moderate to severe pain
- Flaking or discharge from the eye
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints
- Dry mouth
Since some medications can cause dry eyes as well, make sure to talk to your doctor about the side effects of any drugs you might be taking.
Even if you feel your dry eyes are under control, it’s recommended that you have your eyes checked annually. It’s the best way to make sure that you aren’t developing a more serious condition. Issues that start out as temporary annoyances can end up causing damage.
