Top Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes - Internal and External Applications

Treat Inflammed Eyelids First

Posted by Juliana (Ufa, Russia) on 07/06/2016
★★★★★

When I visited ND for dry symptoms, he looked my eyes through light and said my eyes are acidic.On my own, I used very weak solution of baking soda and water. It helped me for while, but later my eye sight started to be affected negatively by it. I went to Russia and saw Russian eye professor and she checked my eyes through eye machines and said that my eyes are dry because the lids of my eyes are inflamed, and I started to loose some of my eye lashes and that was enough to stop the tear and natural eye lubricant flow from my eye lids to my eyes.She used some simple tool almost as tweezer and under eye machine for 10 days in a row, squeezed some stagnated and stocked oil lubricants that plugged my eye lids.

These 10 treatments which was very cheap to treat, the dry eye symptoms.From time to time, I do have dry eyes only if eat and drink milk product.which indicates that candida is in my body. I hope this will help someone. Thank you

Castor Oil

Posted by Sridhar (India) on 11/15/2015

Tell me in detail castor oil means which one? *hexane free? or pure organic cold pressed is enough?

Mouth Guard

Posted by Grace (Pdx) on 10/18/2013
★★★★★

For five years, I had severe dry, red, gritty, scratchy eyes, it was worse at night. I saw tons of specialist, MD and ND's. Tried eye drops, castor oil, vitamins, tear duct plugs and even the lipiflow was normal, nothing worked.

One day at the dentist, he began telling me he is shocked at the growing numbers of people that were clenching and grinding their teeth and that it had grown exponentially, in that last few years. To stop the patients teeth from being damaged he was making mouth guard. The dentist made me a custom made mouth guard for me and I started wearing it at night and I noticed that my dry eyes were cured! I could hardly believe it! You can buy mouth guards at the drug store it is cheaper. A custom made mouth guard from the dentist office is a perfect fit. I was totally unaware of this, but I was clenching my teeth at night. This causes muscle tightness, causes inflammation, then nerve compression of the tear ducts and effects your optic nerves and ear nerves! Grinding and clenching your teeth can also cause neck, shoulder, head tension and jaw pain. Since I like to look at the cause teeth grinding and clenching may be caused by stress, the pressures of the fast world or it could be a parasite infestation. Anyhow, I took up yoga, stopped caffeine and went on Hulda Clark's parasite cleanse. Anyhow, this might help someone that had the same problem as me

Baking Soda

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 06/26/2015

Hello Rhonda,

Baking Soda for Eye Lids replaced need for eye drops...

That was my suggestion and really one of the best remedies I've come across; eye burning or eye irritation can cause havoc. Glad you found it effective.

As a reminder to folks...use a quarter teaspoon in a cup of water. Dissolve...then dab on eye lids....close eyes to do this. Then take a paper towel and wipe off, and reapply keeping eyes closed for a few seconds. The alkaline neutralizes the acid in eyes and that is very effective in lots of eye irritation cases.

Castor Oil

Posted by Bob A (Mcdonough, Georgia, Usa) on 09/25/2012
★★★★★

[YEA] I was unable to drive or even walk due to "dry eye" syndrome caused by a "heavy pollen season"' here in Georgia, USA. I was told to treat it with "gel" eye drops every 2 hours, costing $10 for a tiny bottle. After 7 weeks and NO improvement in my sight, my brother suggested I try a home remedy.

I tried 2 drops of cold pressed, cold processed castor oil every night in an 8-oz bottle. The thick, oozy liquid felt like molasses, but the next day I received a pleasant surprise: I could see better than I had in days! Every day improved, until by the 10th day, my eyes were healed- and the "dry eye" never returned! I cancelled my eye doctor visits and never went back. Never once did I notice the slightest side effect.

The 8-oz bottle of good castor oil costs only $7, with enough product to treat 1000 eyes! Just have a little faith in Earth Clinic. I do!

Aloe Vera, Avoid Coffee

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 09/24/2011
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

DRY EYE

Two recommendations:

I have suffered from dry eye for over twenty years and have tried dozens of various otc drops. The very best solution to the problem I have found is very inexpensive: aloe vera (I use a high quality one) annointed on the lids of the eyes. Not dropped into the eye but on the lids. Aloe is, of course, alkaline and I believe what is happening is that the aloe is netralizing an acidic condition. I was put onto the idea of putting the drops of aloe onto the eye lid by my opthomologist who had given me a prescription for eye lid drops to deal with dry eye. But I found the aloe vera worked better and at little expense. I usually apply three or four times daily or as needed.

My second recommendation is to be careful for coffee consumption, both in regular and de-caf form... The acid in the coffee is murder on sensitive eyes. I have found a direct correlation between "burning eyes" during the day and whether I've had coffee that morning. Teas don't seem to be so bad.

Castor Oil

Posted by Jennysmom2 (Idaho) on 10/23/2015

Hi, I am glad you have found relief. I use castor oil in my eyes from time to time. I don't know about the other medications, but I just wanted to comment that Restasis contains castor oil. Just another example of drug companies trying to make money off of us when natural remedies are at our fingertips for pennies. Best wishes

Baking Soda

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, S.c.) on 04/26/2016

Karen

This might be me you were writing to. I have been using baking soda mixed in water and gently applying to closed eyes ...eyelids... for a number of years now. Dry eye situation is much improved. Whenever I have too much coffee or too many acidic products if I use the baking soda and water this always helps immensely and usually completely relieves me of the difficulty. You asked which quantity is correct. There is no certain amount but I typically use about a third of a teaspoon baking soda and a half glass of water. It can be less it can be more. Whatever suits you.

Fish or Flax Seed Oil

Posted by Liz (Caledonia, Mi, United States) on 12/03/2011
★★★★★

I had lasik surgery on my eyes several years ago. Over time they became very dry and painful. I ended up taking prescription eye drops, and it helped some but they still hurt. A local eye doctor suggested that I take 1,000 mg each of fish oil and flax seed oil a day. I have been taking this for years now and no longer have any pain from the dryness. I was able to stop the eye drops in less than a month of taking the fish and flax seed oils. I will likely have to take them for life, but they have many other health benefits, so its fine with me! If I miss a few days, I can always tell - the dryness starts back up. You also need to take BOTH. I've tried each alone & it doesn't work near as well.

I hope this helps someone as much as it helped me. Thank you so much EC for being such a blessing to so many!

Baking Soda

Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe) on 03/21/2022
★★★★★

Yes, Rob, I can attest to the efficacy of the baking-soda-in-water eye wash. It helps for itchy eyes, red eyes and probably for some other eye woes.

Castor Oil

Posted by Carol (Annapolis, Md) on 01/10/2014
★★★★★

I love EarthClinic!! I have struggled with dry eyes for so many years especially in the winter. I did try ACV which helps but when I read about Castor Oil, cold pressed, I thought why not. I purchased it and transferred a small amount to my lower lids with a q-tip and close my eyes for a moment. I do this at night and in the mooring or when my eyes feel dry. WOW!! It works. I am so grateful not to be suffering.

Castor Oil

Posted by Miracles (Santa Monica, Ca, United States) on 07/11/2013
★★★★★

I've had dry eyes over the years but it wasn't that bad. When I had it, they put in plugs to keep the moisture/water in my eyes. Then, they prescribed drops for me to put it at night and put in during the day. Then, about two years ago, my boyfriend got it as well - and we visited a few top notch eye doctors - and they prescribed Restasis.

When I discovered Earth Clinic and started testing out their remedies for other ailments and found they worked, I found the remedy for dry eyes of castor oil that many recommended. So we went to buy A-grade castor oil from the homeopathic pharmacy with the dropper, and then, we both started using it on our eyes - first on our eyelids at night. Then, after we found that the redness was nearly gone in the morning or next day, we started dropping it into our eyes. It truly works!

The white of the eyes seems much whiter and not so yellow! My lashes seem to love it and I feel like they're growing longer and thicker! The only thing is that I wear contact lens, and am trying to figure out if I should do an eye wash in the morning so there will be no more "oil" - which attaches to my daily-wear contact lens - and creates a blur!

I wanted to share with you all that the castor oil is miraculous for dry eyes and works! And, thank you to Earth Clinic and everybody else who writes in regarding wonderful remedies for healing!

Baking Soda

Posted by Rhonda (Lakewood, Ca) on 06/26/2015
★★★★★

Baking soda works much better than prescription eye drops for me. It lasts longer so you don't have to apply as frequently as drops and it is more effective as well. Stops tearing and more soothing. One eye seems to be cured while the other still gets watery. When that happens, I apply remedy to lid as someone on EC recommended. Then when it returns, I do it again. Much happier that I found this remedy.

Aloe Vera, Avoid Coffee

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 02/11/2014

Eileen,

So sorry to have missed your question...you anoint the outside of eyelid with the aloe vera. Also you can use a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in quarter glass of water...the alkaline of either will neutralize the acidic eye.

Again, apply on outside of eyelid.

I usually apply and wipe off and then reapply. If you think your fingers might be even slightly oily use a paper towel to perform application.

And remember, the acidic foods are what is at work in causing the dry eye...in my experience 90 percent of all my burning eye/dry eye condition is related to coffee and eating spicy products.

L-Carnosine

Posted by HISJEWEL (New York) on 02/09/2022
★★★★★

L-Carnosine for Dry Eyes

Ted was right on point with the L Carnosine for dry eyes. L-Carnosine or Carnosine is expensive, but it works hilariously. I used 1000mg a day (two capsules) the first 2 weeks then went down to 500mgs a day because of the cost, my eyes are still loving it. I no longer have to rub castor oil on my eyelids at night. May the cures continue to be revealed.

HisJewel

Dietary Changes

Posted by Susie B. (Grand Prairie, Texas) on 03/09/2018
★★★★★

Dry Eyes:

I went to doctors, used Restasis, gentle. Nothing helped. Even made worse. Started researching. Found lady doc in Internet.

Said NO SUGAR AT ALL AND DRINK LOTS OF BOTTLED WATER.

FOR MONTHS I WAS IN PAIN AND MISEREABLE. IN 3 DAYS MY EYES CLEARED UP. NO MORE DRYNESS, WATERY EYES BURNING OR ITCHING.

I am legally blind and my vision has even improved.

No more drugs, drops or health aids, only healthy habits water and No sugar, no sugar has helped in other ways as well and losing weight.

Aloe

Posted by Earthy (Buchanan, Tn. ) on 10/19/2017 7 posts
★★★★★

Since my eyes were staying so red and veiny I decided to check out the info here on Earth Clinic for dry eyes. Wow a lot of people have this problem. The one thing I did was use aloe juice on my eye lids. I am very surprised and appreciative that my eyes are much better. I was dropping it in my eyes but it was very painful so I stopped. It was hard to believe applying it to my eye lids would work but it is great. My eyes are so much more comfortable. I tend to think more is better so the first day I did it about 8X. putting a small amount in the bottom of a glass and using my finger to dip in and apply to my eye lid until it was dripping down my face. I noticed more comfort and less red immediately. I would still suggest to check dry eye page on here. Hope this helps someone.

Fish or Flax Seed Oil

Posted by Ulla (Baltimore, Md) on 07/18/2017
★★★★★

I take Omega 3 oil for my chronic dry eye syndrome.

My eye doctor wanted to put me on Restasis and also maybe put plugs in my tear ducts. I went home and did a research on the net. In Sweden (where I'm from originally) there was clinical studies done proving the O3 oil does work. I had some at home, but stopped taking it as I didn't like the fishy taste. I found someone who suggested to take them just before going to bed. I did and the next morning was such a change!!! So, now I do this every night! I do still have to watch what I eat to avoid too acidic food as that has an effect.

Borage Oil

Posted by Art (California ) on 06/16/2017 2325 posts
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Okay, so it has been awhile with this Borage Oil experiment and at about three weeks I noticed that my dry eye condition started to diminish, similarly to the black currant seed oil and similarly, the benefit has been slow and gradual, so I would conclude from these two experiments that both borage oil and black currant seed oil are helpful for my dry eyes which are mainly a problem at night. I would not consider either one a cure as I feel certain that if I stop using the borage oil the effect will diminish just as with the black currant seed oil. Right now the main benefit I see is that when I wake in the morning, the pain associated with trying to open my eyes is almost gone and some days not a problem at all. Same thing if I happen to awaken at night, greatly reduced pain or discomfort upon opening my eyes. I have tried castor oil drops and they are helpful, but castor oil seemed to create its own kind of irritation during my waking hours so after trying a couple of brands, I have decided against the castor oil for me.

As far as any other benefit, the borage oil may be helping my skin to seem softer or smoother, but that is a very subjective thing for an individual to try and measure without proper equipment. Studies do tend to suggest that borage oil may be beneficial for skin in that it can help prevent transepidermal water loss. I have been taking this borage oil for roughly a month now and will update again if I find any other benefit with this experiment which I plan to continue for a bit.

EC, maybe you can add borage oil to your list of potential dry eye alternatives.

Art

Castor Oil

Posted by Mike (Raleigh, Nc) on 09/17/2012
★★★★★

I'm 57 and have suffered with eyes that are 'glued' shut every morning for the last two years. If I open one before soaking it in saline, it tears the cornea and takes about two days to heal. I've tried every eye drop and also wake up two or three times per night to wet them. Strange but I have no significant daytime issues with dryness.

After reading this post, I went to Whole Foods and bought cold pressed Castor Oil. I dropped one drop in each eye before bed time and woke up to a completely rested and lubricated eye. I can't believe it. Only a sample of one so far but I had to post this. I'll update as I progress.

Urine

Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West South Africa) on 02/22/2012
★★★★★

To anybody with painful and dry eyes, the best remedy is your own urine drops, virtual instant relief & anybody who says ugh, just suffer in silence because it works.

Black Cohosh

Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.usa) on 03/25/2011
★★★★★

I think the castor oil people are trying for dry eyes is just great. I searched everywhere for years, I too tried many different items and they only worked temp. Then some one told me to try black cohosh sold in all herbal stores, it's sold as a capsule, I take one every morning, and it's great for every day. I also found that my dry eyes are caused from a virus. So I am working on the whole body one day at a time, one body part at a time. But good luck & I just thought I would share some extra back up info.