And you are not the only one who feels that your eyes are gritty, sore or tired. The dry eye syndrome (also known by the clinical name of keratoconjunctivitis sicca), is the most common cause of day to day pain, with symptoms such as redness, light sensitivity, and that feeling that you have something in your eye.
It is commonly caused by screen use, dry air and allergies. Statistics prove the point: in a large hospital-based study in India, including more than 1.4 million patients, the incidence of the dry eye disease was found to be 1.46/year, and the rate was found to be significantly higher in the urban setting.
The positive end is that effective home remedies for dry eyes can be of great relief. This guide takes you through easy, but real-life steps to calm down on irritation and add more comfort and also clarifies situations when you need to see a doctor
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a widespread syndrome, which arises when your eyes produce a low amount of tears, or the quality of the produced tears is low. The result of this is a parched, gritty and more frequently inflamed surface of the eye.
It may make the process of working on a computer or reading a nightmare of pain, redness, and photophobia. Although it is chronic the symptoms can be controlled.
Effective dry eye herbal remedy form a crucial first line of defense, offering daily relief and improving tear film stability. The strategies given below offer a realistic point of departure in diffusing irritation and preserving the eye well-being.
In case your symptoms do not get better with regular home management, it is important to see an eye doctor to exclude any underlying causes of the problem and discuss the specific treatment.
What Dry Eye Actually Feels Like?
The symptoms of the dry eye syndrome are not limited to the lack of moisture. It is mostly exhibited as a mixture of irritating feelings that vary across the day.
Common signs include:
- Something caught in your eye, a constant gritty or sandy-feeling.
- Stinging or burning sensations or overall eye burnout and particularly post-screen use.
- A blurry vision that disappears and comes back to normal with eye blinking especially when reading.
- Erythema and pruritus which are exacerbated by wind and the smoke or air-conditioning.
- Ironically, too much watery eyes due to the irritation that is causing the reflex action.
Clinical Pointers: The classical appearance of the scratchy sensation and intermittent blurred vision are typical symptoms. The presence of discomfort, which is due to the use of contact lenses, which are dependent on a healthy tear film, is a tell-tale indication.
17 Simple home remedies for dry eyes
- Use Preservative-Free Artificial Tears
OTC lubricating drops will offer relief at once. Use single-use vials with preservative-free formulas to reduce the chances of irritation frequently with use. - Apply a Warm Compress
A 2023 review has established that warm compresses have the ability to enhance tear quality through the unclogging of meibomian glands. Place wet cloths on eyelids that are closed, 5-10 minutes a day. - Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
Look at an object at least 20 feet away after every 20 minutes of screen time, taking 20 seconds to do it. This decreases stress and encourages lubricating blinks which are more complete. - Run a Humidifier
Putting water into the inflammation of indoor air, particularly during winter or air-conditioning, may decrease the tear evaporation and alleviate irritation. - Increase Omega-3 Intake
Studies have resulted in both favorable and unfavorable results even though the research findings indicate that omega-3s (fish oil, flax seed or walnuts) can be used to reduce ocular inflammation and maintain the condition of the oil glands. - Stay Hydrated
General hydration of your body influences tear production. Strive to maintain sufficient daily water consumption. - Perform Eyelid Hygiene
Wipe lashes and eyelids using a little baby shampoo or special lid scrub to remove particles that would clog the oil glands. - Adjust Your Airflow
Never sit in the direct line of fans, air conditioners or car vents because this triggers tears evaporation. - Use Nighttime Ointments
Thick lubricating gels or ointments to be put on at bedtime allow you to enjoy the benefit of moisture as you sleep. - Wear Wraparound Sunglasses
Sunglasses are protective and prevent eyes drying in the wind and sun as well as limiting the number of irritants and evaporation. - Limit Screen Time
Take regular and extended screen breaks in order to reduce the effects of dry eyes due to screens. - Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is dehydrating. Reduction will enhance the overall tear and fluid stability. - Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep deprivation may reduce the amount of tears. You should aim at 7-8 hours so that your eyes get a complete rest. - Practice Intentional Blinking
Close the eyes and wipe them all day long. - Boost Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Consume vitamin-rich products such as carrots and leafy greens to promote the ocular surface. - Avoid Smoke
Smoking and second hand smoke are the key irritants that aggravate the symptoms of dry eyes. - Choose the Right Eye Drop Type
Know your signs: lipid based drops will be used in evaporative dry eye, and the electrolyte-based in aqueous deficiency. Get the advice of a pharmacist.
When to See a Dry Eye Specialist at Shivyaa Hospital
The home remedies of dry eyes mentioned here are splendid in the treatment of mild, intermittent symptoms and making life more comfortable on a daily basis. These are the superficial irritation.
Nevertheless, these therapies cure symptoms, and not the cause. When you are no longer comfortable or it is getting obstructive then it is time to consider a professional assessment. Initial conditions such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis, or autoimmune disorders are to be diagnosed accurately and treated.
You should schedule a consultation with our dry eye specialist, Dr. Yatri Bhavsar, if you experience:
- Persistent symptoms that don’t improve with consistent home care.
- Much pain, not irritation or grittiness.
- Swollen or discharge of the eyes.
- Sudden vision loss or worry about an eye injury.
- Failure to put on to contact lens because of discomfort.
At Shivyaa Super Speciality Hospital, we move beyond temporary relief. Our high-level diagnostics detects the type of the developed dry eye disease, which can be further treated, which provides long-term ocular surface preservation.