Developing red, dry, and itchy eyes is one of the most annoying things that can happen to a person. We know that whenever our eyes are bothering us, it’s pretty much impossible to focus on anything else — both literally and figuratively. It’s doubly true for contact wearers. There is nothing worse than having to power through a day with lenses that feel like they are glued to your eyeballs.
Luckily, though, there are all sorts of natural remedies that can easily resolve the situation.
Whether your bloodshot eyes are due to seasonal allergies, overexposure to the sun, dry climate, lack of sleep, or even just simple dehydration, there is pretty much a natural cure for almost every dry eye cause. We’ve gathered a list of 16 of the most effective home remedies for itchy red eyes that you can try next time you are suffering. We recommend experimenting with a few to find the one that works best for you.
1. Cold Bread
It sounds crazy, but cold bread can actually help reduce a lot of the swelling that occurs when your eyes are irritated. Leave the bread in the fridge until it has reached the desired temperature. Then place it over your eyes while relaxing for 15 minutes or so and you’ll be sure to get some relief.
2. Cold Compress
If you want a slightly more high tech solution than bread, you can make a cold compress by wrapping some ice cubes in a cloth towel. Frozen bags of vegetables also work. First, splash a little ice water over your eyes to prep the surface. Then place the compress on your eyes and hold it in place for a few minutes until the inflammation subsides.
3. Chamomile
While most people only think about chamomile for use in teas, it is surprisingly great for the eyes as well. Brew the tea as normal, then wait for it to completely cool. Once it has reached room temperature, apply the tea to a few cotton pads and dab them around your eyes. Chamomile has a strong soothing effect on irritated eyes.
4. Rose Water
Similar to chamomile, rose water also has a relaxing, soothing effect. Placing a little over your eyes using a cotton pad can provide immediate relief. Any soreness or itching you are experiencing should be gone within five minutes. You can repeat the process as necessary throughout the day.
5. Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices are a classic red-eye and inflammation remedy. There is a good reason for that too — it’s because they work! Cucumbers are filled with antioxidants and when chilled the slices having a fantastic cooling effect. Place the chilled slices on your closed eyes for about ten minutes and see for yourself.
6. Potatoes
Interestingly enough, potatoes actually have a natural astringent quality to them. They can cause your body tissues and blood vessels to constrict, thus solving your red-eye problem. Place the potato slices over your eyes and wait about 15 minutes to allow them to work their magic.
7. Tea Bags
The tannic acid found in tea is perfect for soothing itchy eyes. While most teas have at least some tannins in them, black teas and green teas are probably the most ideal for this purpose. After preparing a cup of tea to enjoy, remove the tea bag and cool it off in the fridge. Once cooled, place the chilled tea bag on your eyes to cure your itchiness issue.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
You want the kind that has not been processed and still has sediment in it, otherwise known as the “mother”. The continued fermentation in natural apple cider vinegar provides for a whole host of health benefits. The vinegar itself works as an astringent and the mother can help fight infection due to its antibacterial properties. Mix one tablespoon of the vinegar with one cup of water, then dab around your eyes with a cotton pad.
9. Hydration
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of dry and bloodshot eyes. It’s something that anyone who has ever experienced a hangover before will definitely understand. Make sure you are drinking sufficient water throughout the day to combat this. It’s recommended that men consume at least 3.7 liters daily and females consume at least 2.7, although, if you are already dehydrated you may need more.
10. Milk & Honey
Warm milk and honey can do wonders for your eyes because of its soothing and antibacterial properties. Just mix up equal parts of honey and warm milk. Then apply it around your closed eyes. Relax for about 10 minutes with your eyes closed to allow the solution to do its work before rinsing off.
11. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
If dry and itchy eyes are a reoccurring problem for you, there is a very real possibility that it could be due to your diet. Consuming foods that are high in omega-3’s can go a long way towards remedying the issue. Good sources of the fatty acids include fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts just to name a few. You can also take an omega-3 supplement.
12. Castor Oil
Castor oil works by inhibiting the evaporation of tears and improving lipid production. Dropping a few drops into your eyes will help them to stay much more naturally lubricated. Castor oil is also great for reducing redness and irritation.
13. Cold Spoons
Chill a couple of metal spoons in the fridge. Then rest them on top of your eyes. The cold will help to constrict the blood vessels in your eyes. To chill them faster, you can also try placing several spoons in a glass of ice water. Alternate spoons as needed as they begin to warm back up.
14. Aloe Vera
This common sunburn cure also works amazing for soothing irritated or itchy eyes. You can use either aloe vera juice or the normal gel. Apply it on the area around your eyes and you will instantly feel its effects. The cooling sensation provided by aloe vera is nothing short of incredible.
15. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an astringent solution that is super beneficial for those suffering from eye inflammation and irritation. Wipe it over your eyelids using a cotton pad and you’ll instantly notice a difference. While any witch hazel preparations will work for this purpose, probably the best ones for irritated eyes are those that also contain aloe vera.
16. Artificial Tears
When in doubt, you can always try using artificial tears. Some eye drop solutions are all-natural too. Just make sure to read the labels on the back first before you buy so you know what you are getting into. It’s recommended not to use artificial tears more than once or twice a day because over time they can create a dependency.
Suffering from inflamed and itchy eyes can be so frustrating.
However, hopefully, these natural remedies will be able to provide you with some much-needed relief. Let us know which ones you liked the best!
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