5 Remedies For Dry Eye Syndrome

There are many possible causes of dry eye syndrome. This is why it is essential to consult a healthcare professional and undergo the necessary examinations. For milder cases, some natural remedies can be of great help.

Dry eye syndrome occurs when you stop producing enough tear secretions to moisten the eyes. This syndrome can affect anyone at some point. It is also closely linked to certain illnesses such as diabetes, and even to being a passive smoker.

The eye is a very sensitive organ in general. There are many external factors, such as pollution, that affect the eyes. Assuming that the body functions as a whole, then our general health also influences eye health. Thus, diseases and a weakened immune system can also be the cause of dry eye syndrome.

As the risk factors are numerous, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist to receive an adequate diagnosis and treatment adapted to your case. If the problem is mild, some basic care and natural remedies can help relieve this syndrome. Let’s see this in more detail later in this article.

Dry eye syndrome: causes and symptoms

In most cases, dry eye syndrome affects people who are generally healthy. The older we get, the more this problem can affect us: it mainly affects older people. This is mainly due to the hormonal changes that occur with age.

Risk factors

• work in dry environments (whether due to wind or air conditioning)
• constant exposure to the sun
• tobacco (whether you are an active or passive smoker)
• taking medicines for a cold or allergy
• wearing contact lenses
• chemical burns
• eye surgery
• eye drops to treat eye disease
• immune system disorders that cause deterioration of the glands that produce tears

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome

Before talking about the symptoms of this syndrome, we would like to emphasize the need to differentiate this syndrome from other eye problems, such as an allergic reaction or an eye infection.

According to information published on  American Academy of Ophthalmology, the most common symptoms are as follows:

• blurry vision
• itching and feeling of sand in your eyes 
• feeling uncomfortable in sunlight
• headache
• presence of mucus around the eyes
• painful lens wear

According to other information from the same entity, the ophthalmologist may suggest the use of artificial tears and thus prescribe eye drops. Much will depend on the root cause of the syndrome. So, although some natural remedies can relieve symptoms, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

5 remedies to cure dry eye syndrome

The remedies for treating dry eye syndrome are natural solutions with a calming effect, ideal for irritation and itching. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that most of these remedies originate from popular culture and there is no scientific evidence to confirm their reliability or effectiveness.

Despite everything, people who have tested them confirm their beneficial effects. Let’s find out together some options that you can try out at home as complementary treatments.

1. Black tea bags

No studies show that black tea helps fight dry eye syndrome. Nonetheless, applied topically, black tea could be of benefit. According to information published in Journal of Advance Pharmaceutical Technology and Reasearch, this tea is rich in polyphenols and has anti-inflammatory effect.

• Make an infusion.
• Once the infusion is cold, apply the tea bags to the closed eyes for about twenty minutes.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is a plant with many medicinal properties, according to a publication by  Molecular Medicine Reports. According to this information, their flavonoid content has a mild anti-inflammatory effect helping to improve eye health in case of irritation or dryness.

The preparation is similar to that of the previous point.

• Bring two tablespoons of chamomile (20 g) to a boil in a glass of water (200 ml).
• Once the infusion is ready and the water is lukewarm, use a cotton ball to apply it to the eyes.
• Close your eyes and relax with the two cotton pads soaked in chamomile infusion.
• Leave the infusion to act for 10 to 20 minutes.

3. Vitamin supplements

In addition to these natural topical remedies, it is important to supplement your diet with the right foods. As we pointed out to you at the beginning of this article, dry eye syndrome can also have its roots in a weak immune system.

Consuming foods rich in omega-3 essential oils would help fight this syndrome, as shown in this randomized controlled trial published in the  International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.

The reasons are as follows:

• Flaxseed oil and fish oil contain fatty acids that help treat dysfunction of the skin glands. Meibomius and rapid tear evaporation.
• In addition, these fatty acids help us reduce the risk of suffering from macular degeneration and cataracts.

4. Eye rest

It is important to supplement the treatment prescribed by the doctor with home strategies. For this, in addition to using artificial drops, do not hesitate to follow the following advice:

• reduce the use of electronic devices such as computers or mobile phones
• rest well
• blink frequently
• moisten the eyelids regularly (with chamomile compresses or black tea bags, for example)

5. Cucumber to lubricate and refresh the eyes

It is one of the most popular remedies. Its calming effect is explained by its high content of water, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

It should be mentioned, however, that there is no scientific evidence to support the effects of this remedy when it comes to relieving the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Its purported benefits derive from popular belief.

• Cut two slices of cucumber and apply one slice to each eye.
• Do this twice a day.

In case of dry eye syndrome, it is important to see a doctor

The remedies presented in this article help to temporarily calm the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Nevertheless, it is always better to seek advice from a specialist, in order to avoid possible complications and to receive adequate treatment. After relevant examinations, the ophthalmologist will tell you what to do to relieve the discomfort. Keep this in mind!