Dry eye occurs when a person doesn’t have enough tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. It can be uncomfortable and even painful, with the most common symptoms being burning, pain, and redness. If you begin to experience dry eye symptoms or have any trouble try these seven remedies to prevent dry eyes.
1. Rest Your Eyes
Rest your eyes
Constant connectivity could be contributing to your dry eyes. The light from your computer screen, smartphone and television can be irritating. Furthermore, reduced blink rate or incomplete blinking can contribute to dry eyes. So, its important to rest your eyes in several intervals.
2. Blink More Frequently
Blink
Deliberate, forceful blinks help promote eye health and open up glands. But those blinks can seem and look unnatural.
Instead, try practicing normal-looking complete blinks to get the hang of blinking enough.
3. Add Vitamins A, B12 and D to Your Diet
Vitamin A
A lack of vitamin D has been linked to dry eye. Vitamins B12 and A are also considered vital for eye health.
Other vitamins important for your eye health include:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Vitamins B6 and B9
- Riboflavin
To help with eye issues, you can eat a more balanced diet or add supplements.
4. Add Essential Fatty Acids to Your Diet
Fish
Omega-3 oils improve the function of the gland that produces tears, and they can naturally reduce the symptoms of dry eye. Omega-3 can be found in:
- Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna
- Fish oil supplements
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Palm and soybean oil
5. Drink More Water
Drink water
It’s no surprise that drinking water is good for your eyes. That water lubricates your eyes, which allows them to produce tears, focus and everything else they do. Without proper hydration, your eyes can’t clear out debris, blink comfortably or even see without straining.
For proper eye health — and overall health, too — drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
6. Get More Sleep
Get more sleep
Lack of sleep robs your eyes of tears. That’s enough to cause more issues for those with dry eyes.
Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. If you’re having trouble sleeping.
7. Wash Your Eyelids and Lashes
Washing eyelids and eyelashes
When you wash your face, pay careful attention to your eyelids and eyelashes. Use warm water and baby shampoo, or a preservative-free eyelid cleanser to gently clean your upper and lower eyelids. Special attention should be paid to areas with makeup or facial creams that could get into the tear film and potentially irritate your eyes.
Follow up with a mask or warm, damp towel — using it as a compress — to help your eyes regain moisture.