Dry Eyes? Here's How to Restore Moisture Naturally

Dry eyes occur when the tear glands produce fewer tears. As tear production decreases, the protective film they form diminishes.

Tears consist of three layers: the mucous layer – attached to the cornea, providing nourishment; the aqueous layer – the middle layer, containing enzymes and antibacterial substances that protect the eye from irritants; and the oily layer – which maintains moisture and prevents fluid evaporation.

Various factors lead to dryness, including age – as we age, keeping the eyes moist becomes more challenging due to slower blood flow. Women may experience it more due to hormonal changes. Additional factors include prolonged computer or screen use, contact lenses, diabetes, unbalanced blood pressure, and arthritis.

Burning, pain, redness, and discharge can reduce life quality. Here are some tips to ease dry eyes.

Give your eyes time to rest. Close them occasionally, or even cover them with your palms. Let your eyes relax and take deep breaths – bring in oxygen and release tension.

Blinking is crucial to renewing the tear layer that moistens the eyes, especially when spending long hours in front of a screen.

Wash the eyelids with warm water while massaging them. This improves blood flow and cell nourishment in the eye, enhancing moisture production. Above the eye, massage from the brows towards the ear. Below the eye, move towards the nose with light pressure.

Use warm compresses on the eyes – ensure the warmth is comfortable, not too hot, to facilitate good blood flow.

Air conditioning, both in winter and summer, causes dryness, so use it sparingly and prefer opening a window or using other cooling methods.

Adequate sleep allows the tear mechanism to rejuvenate.

Contact lenses and makeup – maintain hygiene and remove them before sleeping.

Omega-3 is an essential and anti-inflammatory fatty acid involved in tear production in the eye. A deficiency can worsen dryness, so include sea fish (not farmed), walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocado in your diet. Besides helping your eyes, a healthy diet benefits your physical and mental health.

Zohara Shavit is an N.D. naturopath and iridologist, with extensive experience in treatment, counseling, and leading workshops. To book a free workshop, call 073-2221290