Natural Ways to Treat Dry, Itchy Eyes

Natural Ways to Treat Dry, Itchy Eyes

Every part of your body has a protective layer made out of fatty oils. From small cells to larger organs, this protective layer helps to transport nutrients into a cell or your eyes for that matter.

As well as helping to transport toxins out of your body, like a pair of shoes the fatty acid membrane ensures that your eyes don’t absorb debris, like dust, stones or chemicals.

Therefore consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids is important for overall health. This will offer protection for every cell in your body, not just your eyes.

We heavily rely on our eyesight for most of our daily activities. Having dry, itchy or burning eyes can seriously impact your quality of life.

Learning ways to treat dry eyes can help reduce or even eliminate symptoms in some people.

In this article, we’ll discuss what dry eye is, what causes it and how omega-3 fatty acids and other natural lifestyle alterations can restore eye function. We’ll also dive into sea buckthorn oil and the myriad of health benefits it may offer.

• Dry Eye

  What is Dry Eye & What Causes it?

  If you don’t produce enough tears, or they’re not of good quality, then you might be at risk of developing dry eye.

  Your eyes need a thin film of tears to keep them lubricated. Temporary dry eye can occur after spending long hours looking at a screen or when in an air-conditioned room.

  People with dry eyes can experience a burning sensation in their eyes. This can make activities like using a computer or riding a bike considerably more uncomfortable.

  Dry eye often occurs due to old age. Various medications like antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills can limit the ability to produce adequate tears.

  The main reason is that all of these medications impact the endocrine (hormone) glands of the body. Studies have shown that 30% of people over the age of 50 suffer from dry eye.

  Several diseases can also result in dry eye, like lupus, arthritis and vitamin A deficiency.

  The old wives tale of carrots being good for your eyesight isn’t too far off the mark. Vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, red peppers and fruits like mango and apricots are filled with vitamin A and will help your eyes produce tears.

  Learn more: Yes, Your Brain Shrinks With Age! Here’s What You Can Do To Keep Your Memory And Vision Sharp

  Can Dry Eye Be Cured Naturally?

  The good news is that several nutritional measures can be implemented to help reduce the symptoms of dry eye.

  This includes consuming adequate amounts of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. The tear film is made up of three layers, one of these is fatty acids, another is water and the other is mucus. You can get the mucus or lymph fluid moving with exercise.

  Here are six tips that can help lessen the symptoms of dry eye:

  • Get daily exercise
  • Use aqueous eye drops
  • Consume enough Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Drink enough water
  • Eat lots of vitamin-A rich foods
  • Use sea buckthorn oil both internally and externally

  Related: The Health Benefits of Combining Vitamin D and Omega-3

• What is Sea Buckthorn Oil?

  Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a shrub that grows in the Himalayas. The extract of the leaf and berries of the plant has been used as a natural remedy for centuries.

  For this reason, sea buckthorn is often referred to as the holy fruit of the Himalayas. Sea buckthorn oil is also known as “glow serum,” as it offers anti-ageing benefits. Because dry eye is often attributed to the ageing process, it becomes apparent that it may be beneficial for eye health.

  Sea buckthorn oil can be taken internally or externally depending on its intended use. For dry eyes, the oil can be applied directly onto the eyelid and also consumed internally.

  One study found that a spray of sea buckthorn applied to closed eyelids could relieve the symptoms of dry eye. In another study, oral sea buckthorn oil relieved the symptoms of dry eye during the cold season.

  Related: 13 Tips for Looking and Feeling Younger As You Age

• More Sea Buckthorn Oil Health Benefits

  Sea buckthorn is known as the “holy fruit” for good reason. It has a wide range of applications. These include boosting immune health because it’s filled with flavonoids.

  Studies show that sea buckthorn has adaptogenic and antioxidant properties. In another study, sea buckthorn oil prevented the growth of harmful bacteria. The antioxidants in sea buckthorn oil can help your body fight the flu, herpes and other viruses.

  Sea buckthorn oil contains probiotics that can enhance digestive health. For this reason, it’s thought to be helpful for those suffering from diabetes.

  In one study, sea buckthorn oil helped reduce blood sugar levels. During the long winter months supplementing with sea buckthorn oil is perfect to keep your body in tip-top condition.

  Learn more: Natural prevention of colds, coughs and flu

• Conclusion

  Three major contributors to eye health are vitamin A, omega-3 and sea buckthorn oil

  Dry eye is more prevalent during the cold winter months, and symptoms can be debilitating. Luckily several lifestyle factors can reduce symptoms.

  Three major contributors to eye health are vitamin A, omega-3 and sea buckthorn oil, which all offer health-boosting properties way beyond the benefits to eye health.

  Written by best-selling author and integrative nutrition health coach Rowanna Watson, who has a passion for natural health. Rowanna is an expert in all areas of holistic health, plant-based nutrition, detoxification and personal development.

  Water for Health Ltd began trading in 2007 with the goal of positively affecting the lives of many. We still retain that mission because we believe that proper hydration and nutrition can make a massive difference to people’s health and quality of life. Click here to find out more.