Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Dry Eye

Healthy eyes are continuously producing tears. This fluid bathes the eyes even between blinks. The Mayo Clinic article "Dry Eyes" reports that the tear film "prevents dry eyes and allows your eyes to maintain clear, comfortable vision." Dry eyes result when the tear glands produce less fluid. This leaves dry patches on the eyes and causes discomfort and blurred vision. Alternative medicine offers a few ways to treat dry eyes.

Blink More

Blinking repeatedly helps to distribute the tear film more evenly over the eyes, reports the Mayo Clinic. Conscious blinking is one way to keep your eyes moist. Be certain to blink when concentrating on visual activities. It is also important to close the eyes for several seconds every hour or so to rest the eyes.

Avoiding Eye Irritants

If you suffer from chronic dry eyes it is important to avoid substances or situations that can further dry out or irritate the eye. The Mayo Clinic suggest avoiding cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke, whether yours or someone else's. The tear film is made of liquid which can evaporate so avoid getting the hot air of hair dryers in your eyes. Car heaters also dry out the air. Even air conditioners and fans blow air that can dry out the tear film. Also wear goggles when swimming. Many of the chemicals used in pools, such as chlorine, can irritate the eyes. Wear glasses on windy days to reduce the chances of drying out the eyes, or small particles entering the eyes.

Use a Warm Compress

The "Doctors Book of Home Remedies ll" by Sid Kirchheimer also suggests warm compress as a way to keep eyes moist. Rinse a wash cloth with warm water and place on closed eyes for five to 10 minutes to "open the clogged oil glands in the eyelids." Compresses work because the tears are made oil, water and mucus. The compress releases the oil and this helps to keep the eyes from drying out.

Add Moisture to the Air

Humidifiers add moisture to dry air and this helps to keep eye lubrication. These machines are especially useful in the winter when the air is usually dry. Another option is to boil a large pot of water on the stove so the moist, hot air circulates around the home. The chapter "Dry Eyes" in the book "Doctors Book of Home Remedies ll" suggests a humidifier in the bedroom or any room you spend a lot of time in. The humid air keeps the mucus membranes from drying out while you sleep.