Home remedies for dry eyes: relieve symptoms such as itchy and irritated eyes

When your eyes burn, itch and feel like sandpaper, it’s not just unpleasant – it can ruin your whole day. But before you reach for the eye drop flat rate, it’s worth taking a look into your home remedy bag of tricks. From black tea to cucumber slices, there are simple and natural ways to soothe your eyes and stimulate tear production.

In this article, you will find out which home remedies really help, when it’s time to see an ophthalmologist – and the best way to avoid dry eyes. So: put on your reading glasses and off you go!

Why do dry eyes occur?

Dry eyes occur when the tear film becomes unstable or tear production is insufficient. The tear fluid normally ensures that the surface of the eye remains moisturized, protects against irritation and flushes out foreign bodies. If this protection is impaired, symptoms such as itching, redness and a foreign body sensationcan occur.

Typical causes are dry heating air, prolonged screen time, draughts or hormonal changes, e.g. during the menopause. Allergies, diabetes mellitus or inflammation of the eyelid margins can also play a role.

The good news is that many home remedies for dry eyes can stabilize the tear film, soothe the eyes and provide natural moisturization.

Home remedies for dry eyes: what really helps

Dry and chronic dry eyes occur time and again in everyday life. In many cases, home remedies can provide relief:

Warm compresses for relief

Warm compresses are a tried and tested home remedy for dry eyes, as they promote blood circulation in the eyelids and stimulate the Meibomian glands. These glands produce lipids that ensure a stable tear film and prevent the tear fluid from evaporating too quickly.

This is how the application works:

1. Soak a clean washcloth or cotton pad in warm (not hot) water.
2. Squeeze gently and place on closed eyes for 5-10 minutes.
3. Gently massage over the eyelids to clear the openings of the meibomian glands.
4. Repeat application once or twice a day to achieve noticeable relief.

Warm compresses are particularly helpful for:

• Dry and irritated eyes that feel strained or tired.
• Inflammation of the eyelid margins (blepharitis), which impairs tear production.
• Prolonged screen time when the tear film becomes unstable.

Black tea as an effective home remedy

Black tea is not only a drink to enjoy, but also a natural remedy for soothing dry eyes. Its anti-inflammatory tannins help to soothe irritated and reddened eyes. In addition, the moisture in the tea bags moisturizes the eyelids for a short time, which can relieve the dry, itchy feeling.

This is how the application works:

1. Brew two tea bags of black tea in hot water.
2. Leave the tea bags to cool for 5-10 minutes until they are pleasantly warm or cool.
3. Place one sachet on each closed eye for 10-15 minutes.
4. Then rinse the eyes with clear water to remove any residue.

Why is black tea effective?

• Tanning agents have a soothing effect on the irritated eye surface.
• Mild moisture helps to stabilize the tear film.
• Cool tea bags can also help against swelling and redness.

Sliced cucumber – moisture for tired eyes

Cucumber is one of the best-known home remedies for dry eyes – and for good reason! The high moisture content of cucumber can help soothe irritated eyes, while the natural coolness reduces puffiness and provides a refreshing feeling.

This is how the application works:

1. Cut a fresh cucumber into thin slices.
2. Place the slices in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
3. Then place a slice of cucumber on each closed eyelid.
4. Relax for 10-15 minutes, then rinse the eyes with clear water.

Why does the cucumber help?

• Moisturizes, which can be beneficial for dry eyes.
• Has a cooling effect and can reduce swelling of the eyelids.
• Contains vitamin A and antioxidants that care for the skin around the eyes.

Important: Although cucumber helps to soothe the eyes, it does not stabilize the tear film. Anyone suffering from dry eyes should therefore also use other effective home remedies or eye drops.

Don’t forget to blink for natural moisturizing

It sounds simple, but is often neglected: blinking regularly is the easiest way to moisturize the eyes and keep the tear film stable. We blink too infrequently, especially when working at a screen for long periods or reading with concentration – the tear fluid evaporates more quickly and the eyes become dry.

Tip for everyday life:

• Consciously blink more often, especially at the screen.
• Use the 20-20-20 rule: Look into the distance for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
• Squeeze your eyes hard from time to time to stimulate tear production.

Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy eyes

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in eye health and can help to alleviate dry eyes. They support the production of tear fluid, stabilize the tear film and have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is particularly beneficial for chronically dry eyes.

Which foods are rich in omega-3?

• Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, herring)
• Linseed & chia seeds
• Walnuts & almonds
• Rapeseed and linseed oil

Studies show that a diet rich in omega-3 improves the lipid layer of the tear film so that the tear fluid does not evaporate as quickly.

Drink enough: have enough water in your body

Adequate hydration is essential for the production of tear fluid. If you drink too little, the tear film can become unstable and the eyes dry out more quickly.

Tips for drinking enough fluids:

• Drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water daily.
• Herbal tea or unsweetened drinks as an alternative.
• If the air is dry, pay even more attention to your fluid intake.

Drinking enough not only moisturizes your body, but also your eyes – from the inside out!

Eye drops to soothe the eyes

Even though they are not strictly speaking a home remedy, eye drops for very dry eyes are often the quickest and most effective solution to soothe irritated, itchy eyes. They help to stabilize the tear film, moisturize the surface of the eye and relieve symptoms such as burning or redness.

Which eye drops are suitable?

• No preservatives – particularly important for sensitive eyes.
• Drops containing hyaluronic acid – provide intensive moisture and stabilize the tear film.
• Lipid-containing drops – help with a disturbed lipid layer of the tear film (e.g. with Meibomian gland dysfunction).
• Omega-3-containing drops – support natural tear production.

Where can I get eye drops?

• In the pharmacy (often with individual advice).
• In drugstores or online – but here you should look out for reputable manufacturers.

How often should I use eye drops?

• As required – depending on the dryness of the eyes.
• Usually 1-2 drops per eye, up to several times a day.
• Anyone who needs them very frequently should seek long-term medical advice.

Tip: Eye drops are particularly helpful when working at a screen for long periods, in dry air or with contact lenses. Anyone who suffers from chronically dry eyes should use suitable drops regularly to keep their eyes healthy in the long term.

Avoid dry eyes: Don’t even need home remedies for dry eyes

Of course, it is best if dry eyes do not occur in the first place. With a few simple measures, the tear fluid can be stabilized so that home remedies or eye drops are not even necessary.

Tips for preventing dry eyes:

• Avoid draughts and dry heating air – ventilate regularly or use a humidifier.
• Adjust screen work – consciously blink every 20 minutes and regularly look into the distance.
• Healthy diet with omega-3 fatty acids – promotes the production of tear fluid.
• Drink enough – at least 1.5-2 liters of water daily to keep the eyes moist.
• UV protection for the eyes – sunglasses with a UV filter protect against irritation.

When home remedies are no longer enough for relief: Time for a visit to the ophthalmologist

Home remedies can often help with mild symptoms, but sometimes they are not enough. If dry eyes do not improve or even get worse despite regular care and home remedies, it is time to see an ophthalmologist.

When a visit to the doctor is necessary:

• Persistent or severe symptoms for which home remedies do not provide relief.
• Visual disturbances such as blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
• Red, painful or swollen eyes, which could indicate inflammation.
• Purulent discharge or sticky eyelids, which can be a sign of infection.
• Dry eyes due to medication or pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or rheumatism.

An ophthalmologist can determine the exact cause of dry eyes and recommend targeted treatment – from special eye drops to therapy for the Meibomian glands. If you want to maintain your eye health in the long term, you should not wait too long if home remedies are no longer sufficient!