Since most people spend a lot of time in front of screens nowadays, dry eyes have become a common occurrence. If you have dry eyes, you may experience pain and itchiness in your eyes. Dry eyes also lead to sensitivity to light, fatigue, and blurred vision. Besides overexposure to screens, dry eyes are a common side effect of certain diseases, medications, allergies, aging, or prolonged use of contact lenses.

Here are some DIY remedies for dry eyes that will help you maintain optimal eye health:

Consume fatty acids
Studies have shown that consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce dryness in the eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids facilitate the tear glands in producing more tears, which keep the eyes naturally moist. Adding foods containing omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, soybean oil, flaxseeds, and chia seeds in your diet can help you deal with dry eyes at home.

Apply a warm compress
Dry eyes are often a result of irritated eyelids that have been inflamed. Irritated eyelids often block the oil-producing glands in the eyes, as a result of which the eyes may feel dry and itchy. This disrupts the balance of oil, mucus, and water in the eyes. A warm compress can help unclog the clogged oil-producing glands in the eyes. People often need to apply warm compresses every day to restore moisture in their dry eyes, even after the irritation and inflammation subside. For a warm compress, you can simply use a clean washcloth dipped in warm water. After you have squeezed out the excess water, gently place it over your eye. After a minute, when the heat has loosened the oils blocking the glands, you may apply light pressure to the edges of your eyelids.

Keep yourself hydrated
Proper hydration is extremely necessary for optimal eye health, as drinking sufficient water can help your eyes retain the necessary amount of moisture. Doctors recommend that an adult should drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Instead of plain water, you can also add other fluids to your diet, provided you stay away from sugary or caffeinated beverages and alcohol. To prevent dehydration, try to drink water at regular intervals, even if you do not feel thirsty. Food items with high water content like watermelons and cucumbers also help you stay healthy and hydrated.

Apart from using these DIY remedies for dry eyes, you can take some steps to prevent dry eyes, like limiting screen time, blinking frequently, and getting an adequate amount of rest. Sometimes, dry eyes are a symptom of other serious diseases, so consult an eye specialist as soon as possible if you are unable to prevent your eyes from drying out or if the condition persists even after following remedial measures.