Natural Remedy for Dry Eyes

People get dry eyes when their tear production decreases. There are many causes for dry eyes. Medicines such as decongestants and antihistamines can cause dry eyes, as can winter winds, air conditioning and indoor heating. Symptoms include burning and stinging sensations and sometimes blurred vision. Fortunately, natural remedies can help increase tear production and minimize discomfort.

Protect Your Eyes

• Before trying any natural treatments, make an effort to avoid activities that trigger dry eyes. Like any other liquid, tears evaporate when exposed to air, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoid situations where air blows into your eyes. Hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners and fans can make eyes dry. Unfortunately, some of these things may be unavoidable. If you use a hair dryer, try to keep it away from your face, and when you are in a car, point the air vents away from your face.

Use a Warm Compress

• A warm compress is a natural way to treat dry eyes. Simply wet a towel with warm water, ring it out, and place it over your eyes for five to 10 minutes. Repeat several times a day.
  Three basic components make up tears: water, oil and mucus. According to an article in "The Eye Digest," published by the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, a warm compress is effective because it increases the oily component of your tears, which reduces tear loss from evaporation. This treatment is especially beneficial for people with meibomian gland dysfunction, an eye disease in which abnormal oil secretions cause dry eyes.

Natural Supplements

• Supplement your diet. For example, the water that makes up your tears contains vitamin A. Therefore, including vitamin A in your diet can help prevent dry eyes. It can be purchased in supplemental form at a health food store, or it can be found in dark leafy vegetables.
  In addition, primrose oil can help treat dry eyes. It is a good source of essential fatty acids that aid in the production of tear components, according to an article on eyecarebasics.com. Ionic minerals are another natural remedy. They are made through a chemical process in which pure minerals are turned into an ionic solution. In general, they help rehydrate the body and are thought to improve tear production. Ionic minerals come in liquid form, and the recommended daily dose is generally one teaspoon, according to the Website HerbalRemedies.com.