Did you know that as many as 20% of people suffer from dry, itchy eyes at some point in their lives? If you’re one of the unlucky ones, you’ve probably done everything you can think of to relieve your symptoms, and they still linger. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to get rid of these unpleasant symptoms once and for all. This article shares 9 different ways to help relieve dry, itchy eyes naturally. You won’t believe how easy it is! Give them a try and let us know how it goes in the comments below!
1) Use Caffeine Gels
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Caffeine is a stimulant that can be very effective at reducing eye pressure and pain. You can find caffeine in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and over-the-counter medicated eye drops. The recommended dose for most adults is about 200mg of caffeine per day—but if you’re having problems with dry eyes ask your optometrist for stronger medicated drops.
2) Be Picky About Your Pillows
Pillows are not just used for comfort. They are also used to support your neck while you sleep. If you notice that your pillow is too soft or hard, it may be affecting your neck muscles while you sleep and preventing them from functioning properly. Check to see if your pillow is properly supporting your neck by asking a friend or family member to check if one side of your head looks significantly higher than another.
3) Always Pack Eye Drops In Your Bag
If you’re going to be out in bright light or smoky air all day—or if you live in a dry place—eye drops can make a big difference. Keep an eye drop solution in your purse or pocket so you can rehydrate your eyes when they start to feel itchy. If you already wear glasses, ask your optometrist if anti-dryness solutions are available with your prescription; some dry-eye sufferers find that these help even more than over-the-counter drops.
4) Keep A Glass Of Water By The Bedside
Before you go to bed, drink a full glass of water. Dehydration can cause your eyes to dry out—and often lead to redness and itching as well. So keep that glass of water by your side and make sure you’re getting enough H2O every day.
5) Put Your Feet Up
Sitting at a desk all day and staring at your computer screen can wreak havoc on your eyes. Take some time each day to put your feet up and let them relax. This simple change can help alleviate dryness. While you’re working, make sure to stay hydrated with clean water or herbal tea so that your body can naturally flush out toxins—and don’t forget to blink!
6) Wear Sunglasses Inside
Sunglasses may look cool when you’re at the beach or in a tropical location—but they can also help save your eyes from that pesky glare. Whether you’re experiencing seasonal allergies or hay fever (or both), wearing sunglasses inside can help reduce irritation from all of those airborne particles that make your eyes itchy and irritated. They also block out harmful UV rays, which can cause damage to your retinas—and make it harder for you to fall asleep.
7) Don’t Let Dust And Pollution Into The House
When you’re constantly exposed to pollution and dust particles on a daily basis, your eyes will start to feel it. If you live in an urban area with heavy traffic or a large city that has been heavily polluted by smog or industrial pollutants over time, air-purifying plants may help remove some of these particles from your house. When placed near windows and doors where they can absorb outside air, common varieties like Boston ferns and spider plants can serve as natural filtration systems for incoming particles.
8) Eat Healthy Foods That Fight Inflammation
You don’t have to avoid spicy foods altogether to stop your eyes from getting irritated; there are other ways of incorporating more inflammation-fighting foods into your diet. Anti-inflammatory foods include omega-3 rich fish (such as salmon and tuna), nuts (like walnuts and almonds), olive oil, flaxseed oil, and cherries. People who frequently suffer from dry eyes should try their best to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water each day.
9) Take A Break While Staring At A Computer Screen All Day
When your eyes are tired and burning from staring at a computer screen all day, try to find some time to relax with a book or television show. There’s something about reading on paper or watching an old sitcom that seems to instantly relieve eye stress. If you don’t want to lose your spot in your book, print out these 9 tips and keep them by your bedside; they won’t take up much space and they can help you get rid of dry, itchy eyes fast.
