Homemade Dry Eye Relief

Dry eyes are common, particularly for people over 40, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tears are important for keeping eyes moist and comfortable, protecting against foreign substances, and for maintaining clear vision. Some people don't produce enough tears to keep their eyes comfortable, and others develop dry eyes because of environmental factors or personal behaviors.

Moisture

• Keeping the environmental air moist and your body hydrated will help relieve dry eyes. Use a humidifier when your home is dry, and drink plenty of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day. Drinking fluids is particularly important when you spend many hours in a climate-controlled workplace, as both air conditioning and heating systems tend to dry out the air.

Visual Concentration

• When you're working or playing at a computer, take frequent breaks, at least five minutes each hour. People tend to not blink enough when staring at a computer screen, according to the Mayo Clinic, and this causes increased tear evaporation. You also can rest your eyes by closing them for several seconds and by intentionally blinking whenever you remember to. Not blinking enough also is common when driving or reading.

Environment

• Another dry eye remedy involves staying out of windy and dry weather, and situations involving blowing dust or dirt. Wear sunglasses when you are in these types of conditions to reduce eye exposure to wind and dust.
  Cigarette smoke is another environmental factor that can lead to dry eyes.
  Additionally, you'll want to avoid having air blowing in your face from fans in your house or vents in your car.

Contact Lenses

• Wear your contact lenses for fewer hours, as they can cause and worsen dry eyes. You may need to stop wearing contact lenses at work or when you're at a computer for several hours.

Medications to Avoid

• Certain medications can cause dry eyes. Diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure can lead to dry eyes, so you might ask your physician about trying a different blood pressure medication. Antihistamines and decongestants also have drying effects, as do sleep aids, birth control pills, and isotretinoin prescribed to treat acne.

Supplements

• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplements can help relieve dry eyes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. GLA is an essential omega-6 fatty acid mainly found in plant-based oils, and you can take GLA supplements created from evening primrose oil, black currant seed or borage seed. The UMMC recommends taking GLA supplements that are certified organic, packaged in light-resistant containers and refrigerated.