The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Fish Oil
Posted by Wayne (Andrews, IN) on 08/14/2014
My eyes were becoming dry to the point a blister appeared on my eye. My wife suggested seeing the eye doctor, grudgingly I agreed. The Doctor asked me if I had arthritis and I told him my shoulder hurt and to raise my arm over my head was difficult. He informed me that the material in my shoulder was similar to the makeup of my tear glands and my immune system was attacking both.
He brought out a couple packets of flaxseed oil and told me this might help. Well I was already taking 3 tablespoons of flaxseed oil and 3 tablespoons of codliver oil a day. I decided to take 20 tablespoons of codliver oil a day because he reinforced my initial efforts and I thought this was the proper course. I thank god to say my eyes started watering and my shoulder quit hurting.
I eventually changed to sardine and anchovy fish oil capsules because they were cheaper ($5.00 for 150 capsules). The dose of 40 capsules a day. Each capsule contains EPA 180 mg and DHA 120 mg. The capsules didn't agree with me for some reason so I would chew the capsules and spit them out. There is no fishy taste for me I have been doing this for several years now with consistently good results. I have tried reducing the dose but 40 a day works for me. You need to experiment to find the proper dose.
If you talk to people who grew up in the 1930s and 1940s they were given codliver oil everyday by their parents. Obviously the parents knew of the benefits or were simply carrying on tradition but their children ended the tradition not realizing the benefits afforded them because they were ignorant and or the taste wasn't pleasant.
Carrots
Posted by Ben (London, Uk) on 07/09/2014
★★★★★
I look at a computer screen for approx 10-12 hrs a day and I get very dry eyes. The best natural remedy I find is to eat 1x raw carrot per day. This is the best natural remedy I have used.
Cheers, Ben
Castor Oil
Posted by Kelly (Oregon, Usa) on 06/04/2014
Castor oil does NOT contain "ricin".
The castor seed contains ricin, a toxic protein. Heating during the oil extraction process denatures and inactivates the protein.
Castor Oil
Posted by Miracles (Santa Monica) on 05/20/2014
Hi Ignatz, you can purchase Castor Oil from Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy or Pharmaca in Brentwood/Pacific Palisades or the Santa Monica Coop. Also, I've added another protocol to the system - a humidifier at night. Good luck!
Castor Oil
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 05/14/2014
Hi Joan,
Do you put rose water in your eye or on your eye lid, or do you drink it? Is it the kind you buy in any store? Thanks.
Castor Oil
Posted by Joan (Cardiff) on 05/14/2014
It's rose water that is most effective for eyes, not castor oil. It not only soothes eyes but relieve you of any pain.
Mouth Guard
Posted by Chad (Lincoln/me) on 05/07/2014
I was wondering if you could post more info on how to talk to my dentist about the mouth guard info.
Aloe Vera, Avoid Coffee
Posted by Terry (Connecticut) on 04/23/2014
★★★★★
I had such horrible dry eyes. My vision was so blurred and I was getting no help from drops or ointments. When I went for an eye exam they had to reapply the drops a few times because they were so dry and itchy. I read your suggestion to use aloe Vera gel on the lids......I cannot believe how wonderful my eyes feel. Thank you.
Aloe Vera, Avoid Coffee
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 02/24/2014
To Schwabbie;
And not only coffee but acidic foods of any kind. I've noticed that if I eat the fruit papaya that the burning/dry eye is not so severe.
Papaya is just miracle stuff.
Aloe Vera, Avoid Coffee
Posted by Schwabbie (Fontana, Ca) on 02/24/2014
★★★★★
I also notice that I can count on a dry eye episode if I drink coffee, caffeinated or not.
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.
Aloe Vera, Avoid Coffee
Posted by Eileen (Summerville, Sc) on 01/28/2014
I'm sorry to sound dense, but do I apply it to the inside of my eyelid or on the outside of my eyelid? I have two aloe plants and can use fresh, pure aloe. I'm hoping this will work for me. I had lasik surgery, and now my eyes are so dry and the lasik is not working. It's been 6 months since the surgery.
Castor Oil
Posted by Vera (Connecticut) on 01/26/2014
★★★★★
if you read carefully, he is just describing the 8 oz bottle to buy... use 2 drops every night in you eyes and you will get over a 1000 doses in 1 bottle... this is why DRs dont tell you this... they would make NO money!
Castor Oil
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 01/15/2014
You can buy a dropper separately. That's what I did. Most of the big chain pharmacies have them in the eye care section.
Lactoferrin
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 01/14/2014
Greetings Steve from N.J.,
I have another help for dry eyes; at least it sure helps me. Dry eyes have been such a plague to me over the years.
The very best thing that I've found is to take a half teaspoon of baking soda in a half glass of purified water and dissolve of course. With clean finger tips or paper towel just dab onto closed eyelids. Wipe clean and re-apply. The alkaline topical soothes the burning eyes. Almost instant relief. My dry eyes come, I believe, from an acidic condition overall and I can correlate the "burning eyes" to too much coffee or other acid foods, eg hot pepper salsa.
Lactoferrin
Posted by Steven (New Jersey, Usa) on 01/13/2014
★★★★★
350mg of Lactoferrin helped my chronic dry eye from day one. For years I have been waking up with eye pain almost every day. I started taking lactoferrin for iron absorption and I noticed I didn't have dry eye pain for days. Looked it up and found a few mentions that lactoferrin helps. It has continued for weeks now, with only one or two days where I had pain. This is remarkable because I had the pain for probably two years daily.
Castor Oil
Posted by Ignatz (San Francisco, Ca) on 01/13/2014
Hi Miracles - I was just curious whereabouts in Santa Monica you bought the oil with a dropper? I'm around the area a lot but have never seen castor oil sold that way and it sounds terrific. I'm longing to try this as nothing has worked for my chronically red eyes yet, but I maintain hope! Thanks so much for any info.
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.
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
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lori (Portland, Or) on 10/18/2013
Re: eye drops made of distilled water, honey, and Apple cider vinegar. How long will this solution keep? How often (what intervals) is it safe to use, and over what duration of time.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jag (Nj ) on 09/16/2013
Hien from Houston posted the remedy: "5 parts of water, 2 parts of honey and 1 part of apple cider vinegar." I also want to know, do you put this in your eye or swallow it? Please advise as my 7 yr old is suffering from dry red eyes. It wouldn't hurt to take both orally & eye wash but just wondering.
Castor Oil
Posted by Kris (Maine) on 08/09/2013
Two drops castor oil in 8 oz of water and then drink it or do I put the drops in the eyes? Thanks.
Castor Oil
Posted by Anonymous ( Portland , Oregon) on 07/25/2013
My MD has a naturopathic education. He gave me organic cold pressed castor oil in GLASS bottles not in plastic. Apparently castor oil in plastic is very toxic and leeches plastic into the castor oil! This explain why everytime I would use castor oil in plastic bottle my eyes would burn badly until I started using in the glass bottles He also gave me 100% unbleached organic wool to place over my eyes soaked in castor oil and hot water bottle placed over the wool. Make sure that the hot water bottle cap is secure and just be careful to not make too hot. It also suggested not use heating pad on the body because of EMF waves interfere with body energetic system.
Castor Oil
Posted by Happyeyes (Bay City, Mi) on 07/20/2013
I was just diagnosed with Recurrant Cornal Erosion. I had an abrasion about a year ago that has never seemed to heal. When I was finally diagnosed (after multiple doctor visit to several doctors) I was told that I would probably need daily drops and nightly ointment for the rest of my life. While I am willing to spend the money, if it means I don't have the intense, stabbing pain of continually ripping up my cornia, I would do it. But I am so glad to see there is a more economical remedy - and one that is natural! I can't wait to try it! THANK YOU!
Castor Oil
Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 07/13/2013
★★★★★
I've been using castor oil--1 drop per eye at bedtime--for dry eyes. My contacts the next day are comfortable well into the evening, where before I was wanting them out by lunchtime. I just wash my eyelids w/ baby shampoo and blink several times to get some in my eyes and no problem w/ oil on contacts. Baby shampoo has something in it that numbs the eye so it doesn't feel the sting. Hate that for the kids (drug them) but I can do a drop or 2 per day and don't feel that's too much chemical. Had styes for years until I started washing w/ baby shampoo.
Castor Oil
Posted by Edna (Hayward, Ca) on 07/12/2013
★★★★★
I have been using castor oil for dry eyes after using many different eye drops that did not work.
The other result that I have observed is that it also makes eyebags minimized. Apply cold expressed castor oil with your clean finger to lower and upper eyelids - on top of the lashes, Results- eyebags will remarkably disappear.
Castor Oil
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 07/11/2013
Hi Miracles from Santa Monica - I am one of the posters who recommended organic castor oil for dry eyes. I, too, wear contact lenses and, because of the oil residue left in the morning, I have to use an eye wash to get rid of it. It's a small price to pay, though. I wasn't able to wear contacts for over a year because of the dryness - now, no problem. I've only come across one actual eye wash (not eye drops) here in Canada (O----x) but I'm sure you have more options where you live. I'm glad the castor oil worked for you! Cheers, Bess
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 Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 06/18/2013
★★★★★
Had dry eyes for years and in my case found it was acid related. Tried lots of remedies but the best is to dissolve a third teaspoon baking soda into a half cup of purified water. For safety sake, boil the water and let cool. Dab with clean cloth onto eyelids; repeat a minute later. I repeat: Apply to eye LIDS. Keep eyes closed until dry. The alkaline water will counter the acidic condition on eye surface.
I drink then the remainder of the baking soda water to offset my acidic system.
If I drink coffee, the dry eye problem is worse. Eating acidic foods also worsens the dry eye.
The point is: my dry eye condition was being caused by an acidic system. I had been diagnosed by an opthomologist with "dry eye" and the solution was to counter the acid in the body which I suppose had caused the dryness.
Castor Oil
Posted by Shruti (Virgina, USA) on 05/28/2013
★★★★★
I started having dry eyes suddenly since 2 months no diagnosis yet. I have tried everything from drops to warm compressions.. Started using castor oil 1 drop in each eye at bed time and WOW haven't had dry eyes since even if I skip a day I don't feel dry and don't need any drops either in the day time and my eyes are white white white. I saw this remedy online by some lady from Florida and I really want to thank her.
Castor Oil
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 05/24/2013
Hi Anonymouscat: Dr. Carolyn Dean (medical doctor, naturopath, acupuncturist, herbalist and much more) wrote an article called,
The Eyes Have It. She recommends using castor oil for dry eyes.
http://drcarolyndean.com/2010/09/the-eyes-have-it/
Evidently Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe it. Many over-the-counter, as well as prescription eye medications contain castor oil as well.
In this article, Dr. Dean also tells you how to make your own cayenne remedy for the eyes (improves blood circulation and opens up tear ducts). I haven't been brave enough to try that yet! Hope you find the article interesting. Cheers, Bess
Castor Oil
Posted by Anonymouscat (Pdx, Or) on 05/24/2013
The research showed that castor oil caused Cytotoxicity which means is the quality of being toxic to cells and that other oils such as olive oil should be used in eye ointments. This is odd because at the ND told me to used castor oil pack on my abdomen for a small surgical scar so my thought is maybe on the skin but not safe for eyes.
Cod Liver Oil
Posted by Joy (San Diego, Ca) on 04/28/2013
Interesting post about Cod Liver OIL eithier you have a omega 3 defieciency or you are on the borderline or have anemia, because liver is recommended for iron deficiencies, and thyroid deficiencies can cause dry eyes even if your thyroid is on the verge of being low according to my ND you may very well be having and showing all effects of low thyroid! Anyhow the MD felt the high grade fish oils results are better and more effective.
Sauerkraut
Posted by Brandon (Chicago, Illinois) on 03/21/2013
I forgot to add that I eat about 4-6 heaping tablespoons of sauerkraut a day. (about 2 tablespoons with meals. I startout out eating about a teaspon - tablespoon and worked my way up. Sauerkraut is a raw food that we're not used to getting in our died, so you've got to slowly introduce it.
Sauerkraut
Posted by Brandon (Chicago, Illinois) on 03/21/2013
★★★★★
Sauerkraut REALLY works right away to help with dry eyes!! Make sure the kind you get is RAW, Live, Organic, Unheated, and Unpasteurized with no vinegar. Most health food stores carry this kind. It really works!
Castor Oil
Posted by Lisa (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/03/2013
The oils you are using are not "sterile" which means that they are not pure enought to be intended for use in the eye BECAUSE the oils may be contaminated and that puts you at risk of infection which can lead to visual impairments, even blindness. May I suggest you investigate IPL, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, to unclog the pores that secrete lubricants. IPL is not covered by insurance, and may cost about $350 per session.
Fish or Flax Seed Oil
Posted by Chickenlittle (Seattle, Wa) on 01/10/2013
DRY EYES: I have suffered with Dry eye for many years. Seen many top notch opthamogist one suggested [...] a steroid which decreases inflammation. Inflammation? That was a news to me. I researched and found that studies in Brazil using organic flax seed oil decrease of inflammation, decrease of intraocular pressure, it causes the release of fluids which is healing of dry eye.
Vitamins A, E
Posted by Kayla (La, Ca) on 12/12/2012
I noticed a dramatic change after three days, and then of course I cut down my dose of vitamin A & E to recommended dose after one week of a high dose. My doctor told me NOT to ever use vaseline petroleum jelly around my eyes becaue of the petroleum is not safe. So I mixed castor oil, coconut oil and aloe vera oil together and put that around my eyes. Aloe Vera oil is a wonderful and miraculous healing oil, try it out.
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!
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.
Castor Oil
Posted by Meowy (Sd, Ca) on 09/04/2012
★★★★★
I bought castor oil and it did not work it made my eyes, red irritated sensitive, the oil itself felt slightly gritty to me. Few month later my ND suggested I buy a bottle of castor oil for massage on my abdomen. I bought a large bottle and this particular castor oil seemed smooth, thick and not gritty (Homehealth) I decided to try a drop in my eyes and it worked without any side effects! Please note all Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oils are not the same.
Eliminating Wheat
Posted by Ira (Rijswijk, The Netherlands) on 07/14/2012
★★★★★
Dear all, I suffered 3 years from dry eyes and I've tried everything: doctors, fish oil, flaxseed oil. The fish oil and flaxseed oil reduced the dry eyes, but I had to take 4 capsulas daily. I also suffered from puffy eyes with dark circles and somewhere else on this site I found that dark circles could be caused by eating bread (wheat, gluten). It was advised to stop eating wheat. I stopped eating bread and within 1 week my puffy eyes were gone, but also my dry, gritty eyes!
Now, when I exceptionally eat a bread roll, immediately my eyes start to itch and get red, so it is very clear for me that it is caused by eating wheat, because of the gluten. Many people have a gluten intolerance which they don't know.
If you've tried everything, try to stop eating wheat.
Goodluck!
