According to the American Journal of Ophthalmology, approximately 16 million adults have been diagnosed with dry eyes. This condition can not only cause discomfort but also make it difficult to see and hence impact daily life. So, let’s take a quick look at some home remedies for dry eyes that you can try to get relief.

Wash Your Eyes
Wash your eyes, including your eyelids and eyelashes using warm water and a mild shampoo such as baby shampoo. You can also use an eyelid cleanser that is free of preservatives. If you use eye makeup or facial creams, washing your eyes properly to remove any residue of these products could be beneficial as these items could enter the tear duct and irritate the eyes.

Rest Your Eyes
One of the popular home remedies for dry eyes is to close your eyes at regular intervals especially if you use a computer screen or any other digital screen for a long period of time. This will help to prevent computer-related eye strain. Reduced blinking or not blinking your eyes properly can also cause dry eyes. According to a study conducted not blinking properly or not blinking enough can cause a drop in the amount of fluid that is necessary to nourish and lubricate the eye.

Consume More Fatty Acids
According to the American Association of Ophthalmology, Omega-3 oils help to boost the functioning of the tear gland which in turn can reduce the occurrence of dry eyes. Hence, one of the home remedies for dry eyes is to increase your intake of foods rich in these oils. Include fatty fish such as tuna and salmon or fish oil supplements, nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flax seeds and chia seeds and oils such as soybean and palm oil.

Try Over-the-counter Drops
As part of the home remedies for dry eyes, you can try non-prescription eye drops or artificial tears to get relief. You should choose preservative-free drops to prevent further irritation of the eyes. These drops most often come in single-dose vials.

Get Sufficient Sleep
According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, not getting enough sleep can cause issues such as dry eyes. Adults need to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. Setting a bedtime routine where you go to sleep at the same time every night and making the area where you sleep comfortable, dark, and quiet should help you to sleep more soundly.

Drink More Water
Water is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Water helps to lubricate the eyes which enables them to produce tears. Proper hydration also helps the eye to get rid of debris and small foreign particles through blinking. We recommend that a person drinks 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

You can try these home remedies for dry eyes. But if your condition persists or worsens you should consult a doctor immediately.