Dry eyes is simply described as a condition where your tear glands fail to produce an adequate amount of tears. Thus, they also fail to provide lubrication for your eyes. This condition can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. It has a wide range of medical and environmental factors.

The symptoms of this condition include irritation, dryness, and pain in both eyes; sensation of something stuck in your eye; redness.

Symptoms may also include the presence of mucus around or in your eyes; sensitivity to light; experiencing fatigue in your eyes; and blurry vision. The following factors contribute to dry eyes:

• Old age
• Wrong medication
• Underlying medical conditions
• Environmental hazards
• Allergies

Here are some dry eye treatments and relief options that you can carry out at home:

1. Change your environment
Environmental factors are among the most common causes of dry eye syndrome. Staying away from cigarette smoke and staying indoors in windy weather is advisable. Consider wearing appropriate eyewear as protection for your eyes from environmental hazards like wind and dust. This is especially applicable for indulging in activities like riding a bike or skiing. Also, consider using a humidifier for your home.

2. Supplement your diet with fatty acids
Research suggests that consuming foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment. These foods have proven to be effective in reducing inflammation in the body. It may be of great help in relieving dry eyes by managing the inflammation of the eyes. This facilitates higher production of tears. You can either use Omega-3 supplements or you can incorporate foods with rich Omega-3 content into your diet. These foods include:

• Flaxseed oil
• Palm oil
• Soybean oil
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts

4. Wash crusty lashes
Maintaining proper hygiene in and around your eyes is essential. Keeping your eyelids and surrounding areas clean will help you control eye inflammation. You can use a small amount of baby shampoo or mild soap to massage your closed eyelids and the surrounding area.

5. Blink more
One of the most basic things many people forget to do in their busy schedules is blink. This leads to higher exposure to harmful rays of a computer screen, among many other things. Hence, it is important that you remember to blink, especially when you are stressing your eyes. Medical experts suggest following the 20/20 rule, which involves closing your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

5. Stay hydrated
Your entire body relies on hydration for proper functioning, including your eyes. Drinking the right amount of water is possibly the simplest and most important of all dry eye treatments. High water content in the body ensures that your eyes stay moist. It is advised that you drink water before you’re thirsty. The reason for this is that feeling thirsty is your body’s signal of feeling dehydrated. Medical experts recommend aiming for eight to ten glasses of water in a day. If you don’t wish to drink plain water, try eating a salad with water-rich ingredients like watermelons and cucumbers.