Combat Contact Irritation With These 7 Easy Remedies for Dry Eyes

A whopping 25 percent of patients who visit ophthalmology clinics report that they have symptoms of dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses, dry eyes can make them feel uncomfortable.

If you are struggling with dry eyes, you may have gotten eye drops or other medication from your doctor. But there are things you can do on your own to help relieve dry eyes and contact irritation. With a little diligence, you can reduce the symptoms and produce more tears to help end the problem.

If the idea of natural remedies interests you, keep reading! Here’s a look at some of the best ways you can cure dry eyes and reduce contact irritation.

1. Try Blinking More Often

Blinking is one of those reflexes that you often don’t think about because it happens so naturally. But, it is one of the easiest ways to get rid of dry eyes. You need to do it consciously and on a regular basis.

Blinking helps to renew tear film. This, in turn, moisturizes your eyes and combats irritation from wearing contacts.

If you use the computer daily, then you need to make a conscious effort to do this. Whenever you stare at a screen, you are less likely to blink regularly.

2. The 20-20-20 Rule

As mentioned, using the computer on a regular basis can cause dry eyes. On top of blinking more often, it's a good idea to follow the 20-20-20 rule.

This rule involves working at the computer for 20 minutes, then taking a break. This break should last for 20 seconds. Keep active while on break. Focus your eyes on an object that’s located 20 feet away from you. This break will give your eyes the time they need to recuperate from the glare of the screen. This activity will help to prevent dry eyes.

3. Make a Warm Compress

Use a clean piece of cloth or a clean rag to create a warm compress. It’s vital that you ensure that the selected cloth or rag is as clean as possible. Dip the cloth in warm water and then apply it to your eyes. Make sure you do not make it too hot because your eyes are very sensitive.

Once you have found the perfect temperature apply it to the eyelids. This will cause your eyelids to produce lipids. These lipids will improve the quality of your tears and relieve some of the symptoms of dry eye. You’ll have more comfortable vision from this simple technique. Make it a habit with your morning and night time routines to keep your tear ducts in good shape and your tears working to keep your eyes moist.

4. Use a Mild Soap to Wash Your Eyelids

If your eyes get irritated, this may be due to dust, makeup residue, and bacteria. You can try washing your face with a mild soap. Focus on your eyelids, as you rub your soapy face cloth or hands over them and massage them gently. The mild soap will not damage your vision. Yet, it is very effective in eliminating any contaminants.

If you’re using the warm compress mentioned in #3 above to relieve your dry eye symptoms, then it is a good idea to use this cleansing method beforehand.

5. Take Control of Your Environment

The environment that you are in plays a large part in causing dry eyes. An environment that is windy can dry your tears through quick evaporation.

Cities that have a high pollution rate tend to have more cases of dry eyes. Cities that sit at higher altitudes have higher dry eye incidence due to the drier air quality. If you live at high altitudes, you consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

If you live in either of these environments, you’ll want to combat the impact of the air on your eye health. Consider using an air purifier to fight the effects of air pollution.

6. Change Your Diet

Yes, you can help prevent dry eyes through your diet. Try eating a gluten-free diet, since this will help with tear production. Try to get enough sleep and reduce your alcohol intake. When you don’t get enough sleep or drink too much alcohol, tear secretion is reduced. This will cause your eyes to become dry. So, it's a good idea to keep your diet in check.

Eat Fish Oil to Reduce Dry Eyes and Contact Irritation

Fish oil can be used to improve the oil film that gets secreted from your eyelids. The eye’s oil film comes from the meibomian glands which are located around the very edge of the eyelid.

Eating foods that are rich in fatty acids can get rid of any inflammation in these glands. You can take fish oil supplements in the recommended dosage to combat dry eye syndrome. You can also eat fish rich in omega-3 to gain the same benefits.

7. Stay Hydrated

Every part of your body needs water to stay healthy. That is not surprising since the human body is mostly water. Drinking a lot of water will help keep your eyes moist. Make it a habit to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to combat dry eyes.

If you don’t like drinking water, try eating foods that are rich in moisture such as cucumber and watermelons. You can tell if you are getting enough water by the color of your urine. When your urine is very yellow, you are not getting enough water. But if your urine is colorless or has a light-yellow color, then you are drinking enough water.

If you have not been drinking a lot of water then start slowly and ramp up. Drink three glasses a day and eventually work your way up to eight.

Final Thoughts

If you have been experiencing contact irritation, you can use natural remedies on top of what your doctor prescribes. These natural remedies do not cost you anything and may work well for you.

Some of these remedies involve changing a habit, doing something differently or simply changing your diet. The bottom line is that they are all doable and will get you results.

Do you want more information about eye health and contact lenses? Please see more of our helpful articles on our blog.