Dry eyes grandmother's remedies – a comprehensive guide

There are many traditional remedies for dry eyes, but not all of them are equally effective, so we decided to write this guide on the subject. Dry eye, known medically as "keratoconjunctivitis sicca", is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, blurred vision and sometimes inflammation. While over-the-counter or prescription eye drops are often recommended for this condition, many people prefer over-the-counter remedies to soothe and combat dry eyes. Below are various herbal remedies that you can consider.

Omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for dry eyes, grandmother's medicine

Benefits : Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce dryness and improve the quality of tear production.

Sources : These essential fats are found in:

• Fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel
• Flax seeds and linseed oil
• Chia seeds
• walnuts

Usage : Incorporate more omega-3 rich foods into your diet or consider a supplement after consulting your eye doctor.

Are warm compresses considered a dry eye treatment?

The answer is yes!

Benefits : Hot compresses can help increase the production of oil glands, improve the quality of tears and reduce the evaporation rate of tears.

Use : soak a clean cloth in hot water, squeeze out excess water and place on closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Gently massage your eyelids afterwards to stimulate oil production.

blink regularly

Advantages : Normal blinking spreads the tears evenly over the surface of the eye, keeping them moist.

Usage : Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when reading, working on the computer or watching TV. Consider practicing the "20-20-20 rule": every 20 minutes, look at something 20 meters away for 20 seconds.

Eyelid hygiene as a treatment for dry eyes grandmother's remedies

Advantages : Proper eyelid hygiene can prevent blockage of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for the oily layer of the tears.

Use : Use a warm, damp cloth to clean the eyelids gently. Alternatively, there are commercially available eyelid cleansing solutions that can be used.

hydration

Benefits : Keeping hydrated improves overall health and ensures proper production of tears.

Use : Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Adjust this amount according to your body size, activity level and local climate.

Castor oil as a treatment for dry eyes grandmother remedies

Recently there is a trend to drip castor oil into the eyes. We advise against doing this as it can lead to eye and corneal infections. Please consult an ophthalmologist before instilling any eye drops.

aloe vera

Benefits : Aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Use : Apply pure aloe vera gel around the eyes (not inside the eyes) according to the instructions on the box. It can moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation.

Dry eyes granny remedies use of humidifiers

Advantages : Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help prevent the eyes from drying out.

Use : Keep a humidifier in your room, especially during winter or in dry climates, to maintain an optimal level of humidity.

Chamomile tea

Benefits : Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated eyes.

Use : brew a chamomile tea bag, let it cool and use it as a hot compress. Alternatively, rinsing your eyes with chilled chamomile tea can also be refreshing.

Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke – dry eyes old medicine

Advantages : Smoke irritates the eyes and can worsen the dryness.

Use : Stay away from smoky environments and consider quitting if you smoke.

Adjust your diet

Benefits : A diet rich in vitamins A, C, E and minerals such as zinc can improve eye health.

Sources:

• Vitamin A : carrot, sweet potato, spinach
• Vitamin C : oranges, strawberries, broccoli
• Vitamin E : almonds, sunflower seeds
• Zinc : beef, chickpeas, lentils

Use : Include these foods in your daily meals or consider a multivitamin supplement.

Limit screen time

Advantages : Prolonged screen time reduces the blink rate, which leads to increased tear evaporation.

Use : Take regular breaks when working on screens. Adjust your screen use and use anti-glare screens or glasses to reduce eye strain.

Summary about dry eyes grandmother's remedies

Dry eyes can be uncomfortable, but there are several over-the-counter remedies for dry eyes that may alleviate the symptoms. While these drugs can be helpful, it is important to note that they may not replace the need for conventional treatments, especially in severe cases. Always consult an ophthalmologist specializing in the treatment of dry eyes.