Home remedies for treating eye pain: effectively combating the causes

Whether stinging, pressing or simply unpleasant – eye pain is a widespread symptom that can have many causes. The spectrum of possible triggers ranges from a harmless feeling of dryness after working at a computer screen for a long time to serious inflammation or eye disease. Many sufferers initially seek help from their medicine cabinet – and there are indeed some home remedies that can relieve eye pain

In this blog, you can find out which home remedies really help, how to use them correctly – and when it’s time to seek professional help.

What is eye pain actually?

Eye pain is a non-specific but common symptom that can have many causes. The symptoms range from a slight discomfort or feeling of pressure to stabbing or pulling pain that affects blinking, vision or even the entire head area. Red, irritated eyes, sensitivity to light or the feeling of having a foreign body in the eye are also typical accompanying symptoms.

How they usually arise:

From a medical point of view, pain in or around the eye can be caused by harmless triggers such as dry eyes or overexertion, as well as by serious conditions such as corneal inflammation, a stye, inflammation of the conjunctiva or even glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure).

It is important to note that eye pain is not a clinical picture in itself, but an indication of an underlying disorder or irritation in the eye or adjacent structures such as the eye muscles, eyelids, paranasal sinuses or the optic nerve.

In most cases, the discomfort is harmless and temporary – for example after working at a computer screen for a long time, in dry indoor air or after a night with contact lenses. However, there are also situations in which the pain hides a more serious problem.

Home remedies for eye pain: what can really help

Whether and which home remedy can help with eye pain depends largely on the cause. The four most popular and potentially most effective home remedies for eye pain are:

Hot and cold compresses – when to use which one

Warm compresses are ideal for inflammatory or congestion-related complaints such as styes, crusted eyelid edges or blocked sebaceous glands. They help to liquefy hardened secretions, open up the edge of the eyelid and promote blood circulation. Soak a clean, lint-free cloth in warm water (not hot!), squeeze it out and place it on the closed eyes for 5-10 minutes.

Cold compresses, on the other hand, are recommended for acute irritation, swelling, irritated eyes due to allergies or after prolonged screen time. The cooling relieves redness and itching and reduces swelling. Hygiene is also important here – the compress should be fresh, clean and pleasantly cool.

Important:

• Never apply compresses directly from the refrigerator or boiling water
• Do not use for longer than 10 minutes
• Do not use split cloths or rags – risk of infection!

If you experience persistent pain, severe swelling or pus formation, please stop self-treatment and seek medical advice.

Camomile tea, black tea & co. – use natural helpers with caution

Chamomile or black tea bags are a classic household remedy for red or inflamed eyes – especially for mild irritation, eyelid inflammation or dry eyes. The active ingredient tannincontained in black tea has a mild anti-inflammatory effect and can relieve swelling.

But be careful:

• Chamomile can cause allergic reactions and contains fine flower residues that can aggravate irritation in sensitive eyes.
• Tea bags should be well cooled, clean and unflavored.
• It is not recommended for open eye injuries or contact lenses.

Application:

• Brew a tea bag, leave to cool, squeeze out and place on the closed eye
• 5-7 minutes are enough – then dispose of the cloth or tea bag

In the case of persistent inflammation, heavy secretion formation or deterioration of vision, a home remedy should not be used alone for longer than 1-2 days.

Eye rinsing with clear water or isotonic saline solution

In the event of a foreign body sensation, irritation caused by dust, smoke or chlorinated water, gentle rinsing with water can provide initial relief. Isotonic saline solution (0.9%), which resembles the natural tear film, is even more suitable.

Application:

• Open eye wide
• Rinse with clean water (room temperature) or sterile saline solution
• Ideally with an eye bath or sterile drip tray

Important:

• Do not use on open injuries or severe burning sensations
• Do not use tap water returns or contaminated containers
• In case of contact with chemicals or persistent irritation, see a doctor immediately!

Eyelid margin care and warm, moist pad for irritation and dryness

Dry eyes or irritated eyelid margins are often caused by infrequent blinking (e.g. when working at a computer screen), environmental factors or a dysfunction of the meibomian glands. Targeted eyelid margin care combined with warm, moist compresses helps to clear blocked glands and stabilize the tear film.

That’s the right way:

1. Apply a warm, moist compress for 5-10 minutes
2. Using a clean cotton bud or tissue, gently sweep over the edge of the eyelid from the inside to the outside
3. Moisten eyes with tear substitute from the pharmacy (without preservatives)

Tip: This routine can help with chronically dry or strained eyes 1-2 times a day – especially for people with contact lenses, allergies or a lot of screen time.

Cooling cucumber slices to soothe irritated eyes

Fresh cucumber slices are a well-known home remedy from the wellness sector – and they can indeed have a pleasant soothing effect on irritated, reddened or swollen eyelids. The high moisture content and natural coolness of cucumber soothes the area around the eyes, has a mild decongestant and refreshing effect.

This is how it works:

• Cut the fresh, cool cucumber into thin slices
• Place one slice on each closed eye
• Replace with fresh ones after 5-10 minutes, use for approx. 15 minutes in total

The cucumber should be washed, preferably organic and untreated. Do not use on open wounds, severe redness or infection.

Yoga for the eyes and conscious blinking in case of overexertion

Prolonged staring at the computer screen, too little blinking or constant close work often lead to overstraining of the eye muscles – this can manifest itself in tension pain, dryness or a feeling of pressure. Eye yoga or short relaxation exercises can help here in a natural way.

Helpful exercises:

• Palming: rub your hands together, place them warmly on your closed eyes, relax for 30 seconds
• Blink training: consciously blink slowly 10-15 times every 20 minutes
• “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, look at something 20 feet (6 m) away

Effect: Promotes tear film, relaxes the muscles, prevents dryness and burning.

Aloe vera – gentle care for irritated eye area

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties and can have a soothing effect on skin irritations around the eye, e.g. caused by allergies or dry air. The gel is not applied to the eye, but to the skin around the eye.

This is how it works:

• Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel (e.g. from an organic pharmacy) to the eyelids or adjacent skin
• Not too close to the edge of the eyelid to avoid contact with the eye
• Ideal in the evening or after removing make-up

When should caution be exercised? Recognize eye pain as an emergency

Home remedies for eye pain are helpful in many cases – for example for dry eyes, mild irritation or after a long day in front of a screen. However, not every complaint can be treated with them. In certain situations, pain in the eye can indicate a serious illness – in which case home remedies are not only ineffective, but can even cost valuable time.

Warning signs that home remedies are no longer sufficient:

• Sudden, severe eye pain, especially in combination with headache or nausea
• Sensitivity to light, visual impairment or double vision
• Redness with severe swelling, purulent discharge or fever
• Pain when moving the eye or a feeling of pressure behind the eye
• Suspected foreign body or injury
• Glaucoma: can lead to an acute emergency with increased intraocular pressure
• Involvement of the optic nerve, for example in the case of inflammation or circulatory disorders

In such cases, an immediate ophthalmologic examination is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the eye – or, in the worst case, impending blindness.

What does an ophthalmologist do for eye pain?

If home remedies are no longer sufficient to alleviate discomfort or the discomfort causes even more eye pain, a visit to the ophthalmologist is highly recommended. The first step is a thorough diagnosis to determine the exact cause of the eye pain – because targeted treatment can only be given if it is clear where the pain is coming from.

Typical steps in the ophthalmologic examination:

• Medical history: First, the exact symptoms, their duration and possible triggers (e.g. screen work, contact lenses, injury) are asked about
• Inspection of the eye: check of the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea and pupil, usually with a slit lamp
• Measurement of intraocular pressure: important to rule out glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated
• Checking the tear film: e.g. if dry eyes are suspected
• Visual acuity and visual field test: to assess visual acuity and possible impairments
• Possibly further diagnostics: such as a smear test, OCT (optical coherence tomography) or pupil dilation if the retina needs to be examined

Depending on the findings, targeted treatment is then carried out, e.g. with anti-inflammatory eye drops, antibacterial medication, artificial tears or – if necessary – further surgical or conservative intervention.