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10 Home Remedies for Dry and Irritated Eyes You Need to Try

Updated Feb. 15, 2023

Get ready for allergy season with these natural remedies for dry eyes.

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Cold compress

An instant dry eye treatment: Apply cold pressure around the eye. An easy way to do this is by soaking a cloth in cold water and placing it over your eyes. Another option for a cold compress is to chill a metal spoon in a glass of ice, then when it’s cooled place it over your eye until the swelling and irritation subsides.

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Castor oil

Castor oil is a great example of homemade eye drops for dry eyes. Many store brand eye drops contain castor oil. Using an eye drop, place one drop of castor oil in each eye. Repeat multiple times a day to keep them moisturized and the redness down.

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Water and salt

A mixture of water and salt is a simple treatment for dry and irritated eyes. The salt helps to wash away the debris that has collected in the eye; it also has antibacterial agents that kill bacteria. Mix a teaspoon of salt with a cup of distilled water. Bring the mixture to a boil until the salt has dissolved completely. Once it has completely cooled, use it to flush out your eyes.

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Rosewater

Rosewater is very effective for soothing irritated eyes. It’s cooling for the eyes and helps to clear them. You can either rinse your eyes out with pure rosewater and few times a day, or, for instant relief, you can use it as eye drops for instant relief. Derms also love using rosewater for healthier skin.

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Potatoes

Potato is an astringent and will work to reduce inflammation. Cut the potato into thing slices and cool them in the fridge. Then place the slices over your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes.

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Cucumber

Cucumbers work as a treatment for dry eyes because they work to reduce inflammation, swelling, irritation, and puffiness. Wash a cucumber and cut it into thin slices. Place them over your eyes for 10 minutes. Try to do this four to five times a day.

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Aloe vera

Aloe vera has moisturizing properties and works extremely well as a home remedy for dry and irritated eyes. Mix aloe vera juice with a small amount of water and use it as an eye wash. Here are other aloe vera uses you might not know.

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Green tea

Green tea reduces inflammation and helps with eye itch. Make an eye wash by boiling water and placing two green tea bags into the solution. Once it is cooled rinse your eyes. You can also place a dampened tea bag directly on your eyes for several minutes for relief.

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Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an aid for itching eyes. Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight to create a paste. Apply the paste over your eyes and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. Fenugreek can also help to treat diabetes.

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Humidifier

Dry eyes are typically caused by dry air. Use a humidifier in your home or keep one in your room while you sleep. It’s a great treatment for dry eyes.

Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest