Dry eyes result from several factors, including itchiness, pain, discharge, tiredness, blurred vision, and redness in the eyes. All these factors dry up the smooth eye surface, making it harder to blink. Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome can hinder one’s daily life, and treatment may involve a considerable recovery period depending on the intensity. That said, a few DIY remedies for dry eyes can help boost recovery:

1. Wash your eyes
Washing your eyes clean is the first aid to remove any objects or particles that are causing the dryness. When the eyes dry up, the mucus and salts in tears form a crusty surface on the edges of the eyelashes, which might also cause more irritation. Washing the eyes removes the crusts and particles, and the tear glands in the eyes are made to tear up. This method alleviates the condition, and it is safe to use warm sterile water and a clean cloth while washing. After washing the eyes, you can use the damp and warm cloth as a warm compress to trigger tears in the eyes.

2. Blink often
Reading books or watching electronic screens can drastically reduce blinking to just 3-4 times a minute, which increases the rate at which your eyes dry up. Blinking often encourages the tear glands to keep the eyes well hydrated and smooth. When experiencing dry eye syndrome, ophthalmologists recommend blinking often to promote eye health. Ophthalmologists recommend the 20-20-20 rule, in which one has to blink twenty times for about twenty times a day. You can also close your eyes normally, pause for 5 seconds, and then open them. Repeat this exercise about twenty times with intervals of 20 minutes. It is a simple yet effective DIY remedy for dry eyes.

3. Eat vitamins
Eye health is directly linked to the vitamins we consume. When experiencing the symptoms of dry eyes, you should opt for dietary sources of vitamins like A, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C, D, and E or take prescribed supplements. It may take up to 6 hours for the symptoms to improve, but the vitamins are replenished in the body. It is also advisable to include essential vitamins and minerals in your diet to prevent the condition.

4. Rest and sleep
Sometimes, excessive tiredness causes irritation and dryness in the eyes. During such times, forcefully resting your eyes can improve the symptoms. Resting for a few hours can also help alleviate the dryness and irritation in the eyes. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep, resting for at least twenty minutes can trigger tears in the eyes and improve your eye health. This DIY remedy for dry eyes can help prevent the condition and even promote recovery if it develops.