Neti Pot for Dry Eye Relief

Dry eyes are caused by insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears, according to the Mayo Clinic. Itchy, burning or stinging eyes can be a major nuisance. Fortunately, regular neti pot use can prevent allergy symptoms leading to dry eyes and help treat eye irritation.

Description

• A neti pot is a small teapot-like device filled with a saltwater solution called saline. The saline is poured in one nostril, it runs around the system and flushes the sinuses, and then it runs out the other nostril. Rinsing the sinuses may help keep nasal passages moist, remove dust and pollen and keep cilia (hair-like structures in the nose) healthy, according to WebMD.

History

• Nasal irrigation (rinsing the sinuses) has been performed by practitioners of yoga for more than 5,000 years, according to Yoga International Magazine. For centuries, yogis have used neti pots in the same fashion they are used today, in the practice of Jala Neti.

Prevention

• Hay fever and other allergies can lead to dry, itchy eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Regular nasal irrigation prevents airborne allergens from building up in mucus lining the nose, reducing allergy symptoms, according to Yoga International.

Treatment

• Saline is a mixture of salt and water. When it is mixed properly, it has the same salt-to-water ratio as human tears. Nasal irrigation with saline rinses the tear ducts and can promote natural tear production.

Considerations

• Daily neti pot use is recommended for the prevention of sinus and allergy symptoms such as dry eyes. Nasal irrigation should also be performed after exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, wind and dry air, according to Yoga International. When dry eyes are a problem, a neti pot can be used several times a day until symptoms are relieved.