Though dry eyes are most common among older people, in this day and age even youngsters are predominantly suffering from dry eye syndrome. The main cause is prolonged use of digital devices like smartphone, laptop, computer and tablet. The eyes are not enough lubricated and hence it leads to irritation, burning sensation, redness in eyes.
Apart from digital devices, dry eyes are also caused due to:
- Lack of sleep
- Eye fatigue
- Dehydration
- Less moisture in eyes
- Stress/anxiety
- Hormonal imbalance
- Lack of Vitamin A
- Wearing contact lenses
- Allergies
Whatever is the reason, the good news is to treat dry eye problem there is a natural and effective solution. Essential oils can be really helpful in keeping your eyes hydrated and fighting dry eye syndrome. Though it is not a popularly recommended treatment as it's potent and can affect the eyes if used in undiluted form. However, blending it with the carrier oil reduces the concentrated amount and make it ideal for usage. It is highly recommended that never put essential oil in your eyes whether it is diluted form or undiluted. Either apply it topically like gel, use it as a diffuser or some essential oils can also be consumed. It is always wise to consult a doctor before using essential oil to treat any eye problem.
Essential oil remedy might take a few weeks to show result but it definitely helps in relieving the dry eye symptoms.
Flaxseed Essential Oil
Flaxseed comes with myriads of health benefits which also include curing some serious diseases. The Omega 3 fatty acids present in flaxseed is said to treat dry eyes. Burning sensation, redness in eyes or any sort of vision disturbance can get cleared with flaxseed essential oil. Many popular eye vitamin capsules contain flaxseed oil content. You can consume such capsules or intake the oil by blending it in fruit juice or food. You can surely see positive results within a few weeks. Apart from healing dry eye, flaxseed oil is also effective in decreasing vision conditions like age-related macular degeneration and cataract.
Fish Essential Oil
Like flaxseed essential oil even fish essential oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids that are good for dry eyes. It, in fact, contains EPA DHA Omega 3s which is worth considering. So if you are non-vegetarian it is favourably a better choice over flaxseed essential oil. Fish oil is a popular ingredient in many health supplements due to its numerous benefits. Fish oil helps in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes and curing it within a few weeks. Fish oil generally reduces Vitamin E, so it is better to consult a doctor before using fish oil.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil contains anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties which makes it ideal for treating dry eye problem. It reduces the dryness, redness and soothes the eyes. Chamomile essential oil is well known for its calm effect. Blend it with any carrier oil and apply it with a cotton ball. Also, apply the blend underneath your eyes as it helps in reducing dark circles. Applying it daily can show fast results.
Castor Essential Oil
Castor is especially known for its water retaining ability and that is why it is best suited for treating the dry eye problem. Even a single drop of castor oil can help to bring in the moisture required in eyes. It provides lubrication and is said to be one of the safest natural remedies for dry eye. The anti inflammatory properties also help to reduce the irritation. From mild to severe dry eye syndrome can be treated with castor oil.
Rose Essential Oil
Like rose essential oil is popularly known for healing dry skin problem, it is also best known for treating dry eyes. Rose essential oil lubricates your eyes and makes it feel fresh and moisture rich. The anti oxidant rich oil is also good for reducing puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Just soak the oil in cotton ball and place it on eyes for around 5 mins. This will make the eyes feel rejuvenated. The best blend for rose essential oil is frankincense, jojoba and sandalwood oil.
Lavender Essential Oil
It is one essential oil with plethora of health benefits. Lavender essential oil is suitable for everyone and every health problem. The relaxing and therapeutic benefits of lavender essential oil make it perfect to treat dry eyes. It makes your eyes feel relaxed, fresh and lubricated. It also helps in reducing dry eye symptoms like redness, irritation and sometimes blurry vision. You can blend lavender essential oil with water and apply it on eyes for the soothing effect.
Lemon Essential Oil
Though there is no proven record that shows how beneficial lemon essential oil is for dry eyes but homepathy remedies suggest that mixing the lemon essential oil with lavender essential oil and boiled water can be effective. Wash your eyes with this blend and feel refreshed. It will soothe your eyes and also reduce the dry eye problem.
Other Natural Remedies
Along with essential oils, you can also try out some other home remedies to treat dry eye syndrome:
Placing cucumber slices on eyes
As cool as a cucumber, Cucumber has always been known for its cool effect and often slices of cucumber are kept on eyes to feel relieved. Placing chilling cucumber slices on closed eyes will surely help in reducing the dry sensation.
Often due to the busy lifestyle, we even forget to blink. Constant blinking of eyes, retains the moisture content and reduces the strain on eyes.
Sleep therapy
Proper sleep is necessary for your mind, body and soul which certainly includes eyes too. Make sure your eyes take proper rest so that the required amount of moisture remains in your eyes.
If you are already witnessing dry eyes, make sure you do not keep on rubbing your eyes as it can increase the dryness. Also, try to limit your time spent on digital devices as it can lead to more dry up. And if you think smoking has nothing to do with dry eyes then you are wrong. So take the necessary precautions and take good care of your precious eyes.
