Dry eye syndrome makes the eyes sting, burn, and feel gritty, making it difficult for you to go about any daily task with ease. The condition occurs when tear production from the glands is insufficient or when the tears don’t provide enough lubrication. Luckily, there are several natural ways to manage dry eyes. This article discusses some promising ways to reduce symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Read on to know more.

5 natural remedies to manage dry eye syndrome

Apply a warm compress
Putting a warm compress on your eyes promotes tear production and soothes irritation by releasing oil in your eyelid’s glands. It also helps enhance the quality of the tears. To apply a warm compress, soak a cloth with warm water, wring it out, keep it over your eyelids for a couple of minutes, and repeat.

Clean your eyelids and lashes
Washing your eyes every time you wash your face helps ensure that your eyes produce moisturizing tears. It’s advisable to use warm water and a gentle cleanser like diluted baby shampoo or a preservative-free eyelid cleanser to clean your eyes and the surrounding area.

Load up on omega-3s
More and more studies show that consuming plenty of omega-3 fatty acids can help relieve symptoms of dry eyes. That’s because omega-3s’ potent anti-inflammatory effects can fight eye inflammation, encouraging tear production. Some excellent sources of these healthy fats include salmon, tuna, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

Blink more
Blinking frequently, especially when using an electronic device, is a great way to treat as well as prevent dry eyes. With every blink, your tear film renews, lubricating and protecting your eyes. Experts advise following a 20/20 rule, in which you close your eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.

Try to modify your environment
Sometimes, environmental factors, such as low humidity, smoke, dust, and air conditioning, are responsible for dryness and irritation of the eyes. So, it’s necessary to keep your surrounding air moist and clean. You can use a cool-mist humidifier, avoid air conditioning, use filters to block pollutants and allergens, and keep windows closed.

If these remedies don’t bring complete relief from dry eyes, consider using a prescription option, such as Restasis®. Made for those with chronic dry eye syndrome, Restasis® helps increase the eyes’ natural tear production. It must be used twice a day, every day, at least 12 hours apart. You can get a coupon for dry eye treatment Restasis® on GoodRx or other websites, and buy it at a lower price.