Guest Post By Shay H. Elle

The Creator/Entrepreneur/Blogger of The Shay Post which is a Blog dedicated to female entrepreneur who are looking to embrace their mindset and gain inspirational insight and improve their online presence. The Shay Post can be found here.

What is Dry Eyes?

Tears are an essential component required to maintain ocular health. It is made up of oil, water and mucus. It nurtures the surface of the eye, keeps it lubricated, and wipes away foreign particles including dirt and infections.  Dry eye is a common and often a chronic problem, particularly in older adults. Almost 40 million people experience dry eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision.

What are the symptoms of Dry Eyes?

The most common symptoms are red, itchy eyes with sensitivity to light. Some people have also noted that their eyelids are heavy and they can’t keep their eyes open.  They cannot also cry when emotionally stressed. Other signs that you might have dry eyes are having episodes of excess tears after very dry periods and stringy discharges from the eyes. If you are a contact wearer you would experience : burning and itching, excessive watering of the eyes, and blurred vision.

What causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes occur when the oils of the eye thicken up, causing clogged dust, they can also develop from thermal and chemical burns. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), dry eyes can result from long-term use or improperly wearing the contact lenses.  Dry eyes can also be from: certain medications, prolonged use of contact lenses, and smoke exposure.

I believe in natural remedies to cure most of my ailments and I am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge on the subject.  I have outlined 7 natural home remedies that have helped me and some of my friends and their children. These home remedies can help you treat dry eye and its symptoms in the safest and most efficient way: 

• Cucumber: Cucumbers are one of the easiest and best remedies for treating dry eyes. They are rich in water that helps soothe your eyes. They also contain vitamin A, the topical application of which is a proven remedy for dry eyes.  Place a cool cucumber over your eyes 2-3 times a day to sooth them.

• Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract, when applied topically, is a proven remedy for treating dry eyes. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the main components extracted from green tea, and it exhibits anti-inflammatory activities that can help inhibit the inflammation that often accompanies a dry eye.  To apply to the eyes, steep the tea bags for 10-15 minutes, dip 2 cotton pads in the tea, and place them on your closed eye lids. Leave on for 5-10 minutes and repeat as necessary.

• Yogurt: All dairy products, including yogurt, are known to benefit dry eyes. It is a rich source of B vitamins and vitamin D. The consumption of these vitamins is proven to improve and treat dry eye syndrome naturally.  You should consume a cup of yogurt at least once a day.

• Moist heat application: Since the root cause of most of dry eyes is clogged oil ducts, application of moist heat can provide instant relief, while continous use will reduce the chances of them re occurring.I recommend the hot or cold eye mask as the moisture and warmth of the eye mask will help ease irritation and loosen clogged oils. It can be heated up in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, and stays long enough to the recommended 10-15mins to avoid burning of the eyes.  A heated mask also helps to improve the blood circulation around the eyes as well as proven to melt the oils and loosen clogged ducts thus relieving dry eyes. The mask when used as a cold therapy mask reduces pain/swelling around the eyes as well as reduce puffy eyes and eye bags.  Place the therapy eye mask over your eyes for 5-10 minutes or as necessary.

• Rose Water: Rose water is another very effective remedy for dry eyes. It works as a natural relaxer for strained and tired eyes which can lead to poor formation of tears.  Plus rose water contains Vitamin A, the vitamin that in low amounts can cause dry eyes. Place a soaked cotton ball over your eyes for 10 minutes and repeat 2-3 times a day.
• Enrich your diet with Omega-3: Dry eyes can be due to a lack of essential fatty acids in your diet, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the body and also stimulate tear production and high-quality tears.  Include more foods such as fatty fishes, fish oils, sesame seeds, almonds, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and walnuts.

• Lifestyle Change: Implementing changes in your routine activities and environment can help alleviate the adverse effects of your lifestyle on your eyes.  Avoid going out in places with heightened levels of pollution, dust, chemicals, smoke, and smog. Wear sunglasses at all times when going out in dry environments, hot, and windy conditions.

To prevent dry eyes you should: 

• Avoid blowing air directly into your eyes when using hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners, or fans.
• Avoid dry environments and high temperatures both indoors and outdoors, as dry air can irritate your eyes.
• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Try to stay indoors when it is windy.

Have you tried any of these methods? What is your experience with dry eyes? Please let us know in the comments below