“Your eyes help you see the whole wide beautiful world, thus, care of them.”
The eyes are the most essential and critical part of the human body. We tend to depend on it majorly and this is why we should take proper care of it. However, there are times when your eyes tend to become extra sensitive and begin to itchy resulting in dry eyes. This is a condition that occurs when the eyes lack lubrication.
Here are the few potential reasons why this happens:
Inflammation through allergies
Dehydration
Infection
Too much caffeine/ carbonated drinks
Exposure to sun and pollution
Prolonged use of eye drops
An excessive amount of screen time
Wearing contact lens for a long period
Side effects of general medications
Aging
Along with this, genetics also play a role.
How does dryness in the eyes occur?
Evaporative dry eyes:
The tears in our eyes have an oily layer that creates a gland that saves these tears from drying out or getting evaporated. If these layers lessen or are unable to form, then, the tears begin to dry up faster and are not able to provide lubrication leaving you with dry eyes.
Lubrication keeps the eyes moist. Mucus helps spread everything around the eyes evenly and special proteins and antibodies help in preventing the eye from getting infected. Any imbalance in the production and drainage of tears is one of the reasons you may develop dry eyes.
What are the signs and symptoms of dry itchy eyes?
Now that you know what causes dry eyes, here are the signs and symptoms of dry eyes so that you can take the right steps once you notice it.
Red and irritated eyes
Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
Blurred vision
Eye pain
Watering of the eyes
Dry and sandy feeling in eyes
Home remedies for dry itchy eyes
Running for drops is not a bad idea. But why not try something less harmful and more natural instead. Treating dry eyes is simple and can be done at home using a few common ingredients available easily and some just from your kitchen. Let’s have a look!
Rosewater
Known as a natural relaxant helps you with strained and tired eyes. You can use pure rose water as eye drops for instant relief or soak a cotton ball in rose water and apply it to your closed eyelids. After 10 minutes, rinse with some cold water. Repeat this thrice a day.
Warm compress
Take a clean cloth and soak it for a while in some warm water. Place this cloth over your eyes for five minutes. Gently rub the cloth over your eyelids, both lower and upper, to get rid of any dirt or debris. Repeat this process until the water cools.
Fennel seeds
Boil the seeds. Once cooled, dip cotton pads in the warm liquid and place them over your eyelids. Leave for ten minutes.
Cucumber
Cut a cold cucumber into round slices. Place two over your eyes for immediate relief.
Coconut oil
Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the discomfort caused by dry eyes. Soak a cotton ball in coconut oil and place it on your closed eyelids for 15 minutes. Repeat this throughout the day.
Aloe vera gel
Take some gel on a piece of tissue and gently wipe it only on the outside of your eyelids. After 10 minutes, rinse with some lukewarm water. Repeat this twice daily.
Omega-3 fatty acid
They help reduce eye inflammation allowing for increased production of tears thereby relieving you of dry eye syndrome. Add Walnuts, salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, to your diet as they are good sources of Omega-3.
Wash your eyelids
Close your eyes and massage them. Either with warm cotton pads or just clean dry fingers. Cover the base of lashes as well. Rinse well and gently pat dry. Do this every day.
The next time you have dry itchy eyes, you know what to do! These home natural remedies are effective, easy, and come along with no side-effects making them convenient to try out.
