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6 Home Remedies to Soothe Irritated Eyes

Eye irritation can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating, affecting your daily life and activities. Say goodbye to blurry vision and hello to clear sight with these 6 simple and effective home remedies. It's time to take control and soothe those irritated eyes!

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Eye irritation can be caused by a variety of factors, leading to discomfort and pain. Let’s explore 6 simple and safe home remedies to alleviate eye irritation in the article below.

1 What Causes Eye Irritation?

According to the Nam Dinh Provincial Department of Health, several factors can lead to eye irritation. For instance, it can be caused by exposure to dust, foreign objects entering the eye, injuries sustained during work, or eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes, and allergies. Additionally, prolonged use of electronic devices like computers, phones, and TVs, stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal imbalances… can also contribute to eye irritation.

Causes of Eye Irritation

2 Signs of Eye Irritation

Some common signs of eye irritation include the presence of multiple eye bumps, a constant feeling of eye irritation with watering, eye pain, and eye discharge that can affect vision. More severe cases may exhibit a yellowish-brown discoloration of the eyes and visible blood vessels.

Signs of Eye Irritation

3 Home Remedies for Eye Irritation

Blink Rapidly to Remove Foreign Objects

When dust or foreign objects enter the eye, the body’s natural reflex is to blink. Blinking rapidly can help flush out the irritant by stimulating tear production. The faster you blink, the more tears are produced, making it easier to dislodge the foreign object. You can also try closing and opening your eyes quickly or yawning to induce tear production.

Pull the Upper Eyelid over the Lower Eyelid

Another trick to remove irritants trapped under the eyelid is to close your eye and gently pull the skin of the upper eyelid down to cover the lower eyelid, then roll your eyeball to dislodge the foreign object.

Rinse Eyes with Eye Drops or Eye Wash

Using eye drops or eye wash is an effective way to flush out foreign objects from the eye. You can purchase eye drops or eye washes from large pharmacies. For eye drops, tilt your head back, open your eyes wide, and instill the drops, then blink to flush out the irritant. For eye washes, pour the solution into a cup, place it over your eye, and tilt your head back.

Rinsing Eyes with Eye Drops or Eye Wash

Treat Eye Irritation with Clean Water

If you have an eye wash cup at home, you can use it with clean water to rinse your eyes. Alternatively, you can fill a cup or bowl with water and pour it over your eyes. You can also rinse your eyes directly under a slow-running faucet to flush out dust and foreign objects.

Place a Clean Cotton Swab behind the Eyelid

If the above methods are ineffective, you can try using a clean cotton swab. First, gently lift your upper eyelid with your fingers, then insert the tip of the swab behind the eyelid and roll your eyeball backward. Remove the swab and check if the irritant has adhered to it. Blink gently to ensure that no foreign objects remain in the eye.

Reduce Stress and Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule

In addition to physical remedies, adjusting your lifestyle is crucial, especially if your eye irritation is due to excessive screen time. To alleviate this, try to minimize your screen time and use software that reduces blue light exposure to minimize eye strain.

For eye irritation caused by stress and hormonal changes (common in pregnant women and those going through perimenopause), adopting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle is essential. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and stress reduction techniques can help address the issue.

Relieving Eye Irritation through Stress Reduction and Regular Sleep

4 Precautions when Experiencing Eye Irritation

Stay Calm when Experiencing Eye Irritation

When dealing with eye irritation, it’s important to remain calm and identify the cause to find an appropriate solution.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes Repeatedly

Although it may be a natural reflex to rub your eyes when they feel irritated, this action can damage the cornea and cause pain and discomfort. Therefore, it’s best to refrain from rubbing your eyes, even when they feel itchy or irritated.

Identify Eye Irritation Caused by Foreign Objects

Eye irritation is typically not a medical condition but is often caused by foreign objects. Stay calm and locate the foreign object to remove it promptly.

Precautions when Experiencing Eye Irritation

These are six simple and safe home remedies to alleviate eye irritation. We hope you find this information helpful.

Source: Nam Dinh Provincial Department of Health

Frequently asked questions

There are several effective home remedies to find relief from irritated eyes. You can try the following: cold compress, eye wash with sterile water or eye wash solutions, artificial tears, and warm compress. Additionally, avoiding irritants and taking breaks during screen time can help prevent and reduce irritation.

A cold compress can help reduce inflammation and provide a soothing effect for irritated eyes. Simply soak a clean washcloth in cold water, squeeze out the excess, and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes. Repeat this process a few times a day for best results.

An eye wash involves gently flushing your eyes with sterile water or a sterile eye wash solution. This helps to remove any irritants, allergens, or debris that may be causing eye irritation. You can use a commercial eye wash solution or create your own with sterile water and a pinch of sea salt.

Yes, artificial tears are a great way to moisturize and lubricate dry and irritated eyes. They are available over-the-counter and can provide immediate relief. Look for preservative-free artificial tears to avoid any potential irritation from the preservatives.