Dry eyes are a common, but manageable condition that can cause a great deal of discomfort. They can occur due to the inadequacy of tears produced by the tear glands. It may cause some problems like blurred vision, redness in the eyes, and pain, sensitivity, and fatigue in eyes. Research shows that the factors responsible for dry eyes are aging, contact lenses, environmental factors, medication, skin problems, and allergies. Some natural treatments for dry eyes helps to reduce the cause of the problem without medications.

1. Environmental factors
Some environmental factors are responsible for dry eyes. Wind and dry air cause inflammation in the eyes. Using sunglasses while going out helps you to avoid this problem. Other factors like cigarette smoke, hot air from hair dryers, air conditioners, and fans may cause this health situation.

Use a humidifier beside your bed in winter to add moisture to the air. Also, you can use warm compresses before going to bed and wash your eyelids with mild shampoo to increase the quality and production of tears. These are some natural treatments for dry eyes that can be easily used at home.

2. Health situations
Some health issues, and syndromes cause dry eyes, like Sjogren’s syndrome. For this health issue, artificial tears available in the drug store can be helpful to cure the syndrome. Lubricant gel is another medication that can be used before bedtime to reduce the risk of dry eyes.

3. Alternative medication
If your dry eyes are caused by certain medications like those for high blood pressure, birth control pills, acne pills, it may increase the redness in your eyes. In that case you can consult your doctor for alternative medications to reduce problems in the eyes.

4. Eat more vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids
Research shows that deficiency of vitamin A and omega-3 increases the symptoms of dry eyes. Eating a healthy diet with vitamin A and omega-3 helps you reduce the cause of dry eyes. It helps you to produce good quality tears to keep the eye surface smooth and clear. Foods with vitamin A and omega-3 are effective natural treatments for dry eyes.

Foods that are packed with omega-3 include:

• Soybean oil
• Palm oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Walnuts
• Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines
• Chia seeds
• Eggs

Foods high in vitamin A:

• Cod liver oil
• Cereals
• Fortified skimmed milk
• Yellow fruits and oranges
• Vegetables
• Broccoli, spinach, and leafy vegetables

These foods are natural treatments for dry eyes and are good for your overall health.

5. Ointments
Ointments are thicker than eye-drops and artificial tears. They are used as a thick layer to cover the eyeballs and give you long-term relief from dry eyes. Eye-drops are also effective to clear the germs and infection from eyes. They are helpful to cure dry eyes. Eye drops should be used at least four times a day to get a clear vision. Ointments, after application, may blur your vision temporarily, so it is best to use them before bedtime.

Reduction of sugar and inclusion of fatty acids in your regular diet is another natural treatment for dry eyes, and it may help reduce the risk of dry eyes. People over 50 years of age and those with diabetes have a greater risk of dry eyes. Use artificial tears and increase the blink rate while reading or looking at a computer or phone screen to avoid dry eyes.