More people are seeking complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for eye diseases and conditions. But you might want to wait for more studies before practicing CAM on your eyes.
Making your own eye drops at home may come with more risks than benefits. Tears are a mix of oil, mucus, and water. They also contain oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies that protect your eye. More importantly, tears are naturally infection free.
It’s impossible to keep your home workspace completely sterile and ingredients uncontaminated like the labs where scientific studies take place and where OTC and prescription eyedrops are made.
Read on to learn what science says about the effectiveness of homemade drops and what you can do to safely relieve irritation, redness, or puffiness.
You may be more interested in oils as eye drops because they provide more lubrication and longer lasting effects.
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Here’s what research on certain popular eye-drop ingredients say:
Castor oil: One pilot study found that an eye emulsion of castor oil from Allergan effectively produced more stable tear film for at least four hours. Allergan has discontinued this product in the United States.
Coconut oil: There are no human trials involving this ingredient yet. One
Omega-3 and omega-6: No human trials have been done for these. A 2008 cell
Chamomile tea: A 1990
The safest option is to buy commercial eye drops. Take a look at Healthline’s 13 best eye drops for dry eyes and 9 best eye drops for allergies.
There are natural ways to treat irritated eyes. Whether you’re looking for relief for pink, red, dry, or puffy eyes, here are some home remedies to stimulate tears.
Fast relief: Warm compress
Warm compresses are an effective therapy for people with dry eyes. One
If you’re interested in the benefits of a certain oil, you can try putting that oil around your eyes, and then placing a hot towel over your face for one to two minutes. Don’t put the oil too close to the eyes, otherwise it will end up in your eye.
Tea bags: Cool compress
Although doctors advise against washing your eyes with tea, you can use tea bags as a cold compress. A wet, cool tea bag can be soothing on your eyes. Black tea may even decrease puffiness. Keep your eyes closed and place a clean cloth between the teabag and your eyes for good hygiene.
Blink and massage
If you have dry eyes due to eyestrain, try blinking more often or setting a timer to step away from your computer every 15 minutes. You can also perform a simple eye massage to stimulate your tear glands. In a quick pinch, try yawning to help stimulate more tears.
Prevention through diet
You can also take supplements specifically for dry eyes. One
Here are a few things to add to your diet to help alleviate dry eyes:
Try to eat
- two servings of fish high in omega-3s per week
- a portion of flaxseed oil every day, split over three doses
Eating citrus, nuts, whole grains, leafy greens, and fish is also good for your overall eye health. Other ways you can protect your eyes from drying out are:
- increasing the humidity in your home
- changing filters on heaters or air conditioners
- avoiding hair dryers, or closing your eyes when using them
- wearing protective eyewear when it’s sunny or windy outside
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, as dehydration can also cause dry eyes.
Many traditional methods are available for treating your eyes. You can try over-the-counter products. Artificial eye drops benefit more than just dry, red, and puffy eyes.
Look for eye drops that are preservative-free to avoid irritation. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
| Condition | What to buy |
|---|---|
| dry eyes | artificial tears (Hypo Tears, Refresh Plus) |
| redness | decongestant eye drops |
| allergies and itchiness | antihistamine eye drops |
| soreness, swelling, discharge | saline eyewash, artificial tears |
| pink eye | antihistamine eye drops |
See a doctor if your eye condition causes pain. It may be a sign of an infection, and you may need antibiotics. Your doctor may also prescribe oral or topical medications for your dry eyes. Some can help with tear production.
Another short-term treatment may be steroids. In more severe and persistent cases of dry eye, your doctor may recommend surgery or another treatment method, such as an eye insert or light therapy.
Avoid treating your eyes with homemade eye drops. Tears are a delicate protective layer and it’s easy for microbes from your DIY eye drops to:
- make your condition worse
- impair your vision
- cause eye infections
- delay the real diagnosis for your eyes
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience double vision, blurred eyesight, or pain from using homemade eye drops.
Eye health is a combination of diet, habits, and overall health. It’s best to treat the cause for long-term relief. Talk to your doctor if your eyes continue to bother you after treatment.