Dry Eye Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies

Published – February 1 Last Updated: February 1, 2026

Do your eyes feel scratchy, burning, or tired? You might have dry eye syndrome.

Millions of people suffer from dry eyes. The good news? Most cases can be treated naturally without harsh medications.

This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know:

• What causes dry eye syndrome
• How to recognize symptoms
• Natural treatments that work
• Lifestyle changes that help
• When to see a doctor

Let’s make your eyes feel comfortable again!

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes fail to produce enough tears to stay properly lubricated. Or when your tears dry up too fast.

Understanding Tears

Your tears are more complex than you think. They have three layers:

1. Oil layer (outer)

• Made by meibomian glands in the eyelids
• Keeps tears from evaporating
• Keeps the tear surface smooth

2. Water layer (middle)

• Made by lacrimal glands
• Cleans and protects eyes
• Contains nutrients and oxygen

3. Mucus layer (inner)

• Helps tears stick to the eye surface
• Spread tears evenly
• Made by cells on the eye surface

When any layer has problems, you get dry eyes.

Two Main Types

1. Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye

• Your eyes don’t make enough tears
• Lacrimal glands don’t work well
• Less common

2. Evaporative Dry Eye

• Your tears dry up too fast
• Usually caused by meibomian gland problems
• Most common type (86% of cases)

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says most people have a mix of both types.

→ Complete guide: Complete Guide to Eye Health: Vision Care, Prevention & Wellness

Common Causes of Dry Eyes

Understanding what causes your dry eye syndrome helps you treat it better.

Age-Related Causes

Getting older changes your eyes:

• Tear production decreases
• Meibomian glands don’t work as well
• Hormones change (especially in women)
• Eyelid position may change

Most people over 65 have some dry eye symptoms.

Hormonal Changes

Women are more likely to get dry eyes due to –

• Menopause (estrogen changes)
• Pregnancy
• Birth control pills
• Hormone replacement therapy

Medical Conditions

These health problems can cause dry eyes –

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Allergies

Medications

Many common drugs cause dry eyes –

• Antihistamines (allergy medicine)
• Decongestants
• Blood pressure medications
• Antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Acne medications (especially Accutane)
• Sleeping pills

Don’t stop taking prescribed medicine! Talk to your doctor about alternatives.

Environmental Factors

Your surroundings affect your eyes –

• Dry air (especially winter heating)
• Air conditioning
• Wind
• Smoke and air pollution
• High altitude
• Airplane cabins

Screen Time

Digital devices make dry eyes worse –

• You blink less (66% less!)
• You stare more
• You sit in one position
• Blue light exposure

On average, a person blinks between 15 and 20 times every minute under normal conditions. With screens, it drops to 5-7 times per minute.

→ Screen help: Digital Eye Strain: Symptoms, Causes, and Relief Strategies

Contact Lenses

Contacts can cause or worsen dry eyes –

• Block oxygen to the cornea
• Absorb tears
• Change the tear film
• Can trap debris

Eye Surgery

LASIK and other surgeries may cause temporary dry eyes –

• Nerves are cut during surgery
• Tear production decreases
• Usually improves in 3-6 months

Other Causes

• Not blinking enough
• Eyelid problems (don’t close completely)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Rosacea
• Low-humidity environments

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

How do you know if you have dry eye syndrome? Watch for these signs.

Common Symptoms

Physical feelings –

• Scratchy or gritty sensation (like sand in eyes)
• Burning or stinging
• Red eyes
• Tired eyes
• Heavy eyelids
• Eye pain

Vision problems –

• Blurry vision
• Difficulty reading
• Trouble with night driving
• Light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue

Tear issues –

• Watery eyes (seems odd, but common!)
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Difficulty wearing contacts

Why Dry Eyes Make You Cry

This confuses people. “When your eyes become dry, they trigger a signal to the brain, which in turn instructs the tear glands to release extra tears as a protective response. However, these “reflex tears” are mostly composed of water. They lack the proper balance of oil and mucus. So, they don’t help. They just run down your face.

Symptoms Often Are Often Worse –

• In the morning (after sleep)
• In the evening (eyes are tired)
• In dry environments
• After long screen time
• When reading
• In wind
• With contact lenses

When Symptoms Mean Something Serious

See a doctor right away if you have –

• Sudden vision changes
• Severe pain
• Eye discharge (yellow or green)
• Very red eyes
• Sensitivity to light that’s getting worse

Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes

Let’s look at dry eyes and remedy options that work naturally.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This is one of the best natural treatments!

How omega-3s help – 

• Improve tear quality
• Reduce inflammation
• Support Meibomian Gland function
• Make the oil layer better

Research shows –

• Taking 1,000-2,000 mg of omega-3 daily reduces dry eye symptoms by 30-40%
• Works best after 3 months
• Especially helpful for meibomian gland problems

Best sources –

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
• Fish oil supplements
• Flaxseed oil

Recommendation – Eat fish 2-3 times weekly OR take omega-3 supplements daily.

→ Complete guide: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Eye Health: Benefits & Sources

Warm Compresses

This simple eye dryness treatment works wonders!

How it helps –

• Melts oil in meibomian glands
• Unclogs blocked glands
• Improves oil flow to tears
• Feels soothing

How to do it –

1. Wet a clean washcloth with warm water
2. Wring it out
3. Close your eyes and place a cloth over your eyelids
4. Hold for 5-10 minutes
5. Gently massage eyelids
6. Do this 2 times daily

Tip – Use a microwaveable heat mask made for the eyes. They stay warm longer.

Eyelid Hygiene

Keeping eyelids clean helps a lot.

Why it matters –

• Removes debris and bacteria
• Unclogs glands
• Reduces inflammation
• Prevents infections

How to clean eyelids –

1. Use warm water on a cotton pad
2. Add a drop of baby shampoo (diluted)
3. Gently scrub along the lash line
4. Rinse well with water
5. Pat dry
6. Do daily (or twice daily for severe cases)

Special products: You can buy eyelid wipes made for this.

Increase Humidity

Dry air makes dry eyes worse.

Solutions –

• Use a humidifier in the bedroom and office
• Aim for 40-50% humidity
• Place a bowl of water near the heater
• Keep plants (they add moisture)

Especially important in –

• Winter (heating dries air)
• Desert climates
• Air-conditioned offices

Take Screen Breaks

The 20-20-20 rule saves your eyes!

How it works –

• Every 20 minutes
• Look at something 20 feet away
• For at least 20 seconds

Also –

• Blink consciously (10-15 times)
• Position screen 20-26 inches away
• Use artificial tears before screen time

Protect from Wind

Wind evaporates tears fast.

Protection methods:

• Wear wraparound sunglasses
• Use moisture chamber glasses (special glasses)
• Avoid direct fans or AC vents
• Use the car vents pointed away from your face

Stay Hydrated

Your body needs water to make tears.

Hydration tips –

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily
• Eat water-rich foods (cucumbers, watermelon)
• Limit caffeine and alcohol
• Drink more in dry climates

→ Learn more: Hydration and Eye Health: Water’s Role in Vision Wellness

Try Castor Oil

An old remedy that actually works!

How it helps –

• Prevents tear evaporation
• Lubricates eyes
• Reduces inflammation

How to use:

• Use preservative-free, organic castor oil
• Put 1 drop in each eye before bed
• Expect a slight blur for a few minutes

Note: Talk to your eye doctor first.

Adjust Your Diet

Eat foods that support tear production:

Best foods –

• Fatty fish (omega-3s)
• Leafy greens (vitamin A)
• Eggs (vitamin A and omega-3)
• Nuts and seeds (vitamin E)
• Citrus fruits (vitamin C)

Avoid –

• Too much salt (can dry you out)
• Excessive alcohol
• Too much caffeine

→ Nutrition guide: 10 Best Foods for Eye Health and Better Vision

Blink Exercises

Train yourself to blink more!

Simple exercise –

1. Close eyes gently (don’t squeeze)
2. Pause for 2 seconds
3. Open eyes
4. Repeat 10 times

Do this –

• Every hour during screen time
• When eyes feel dry
• Before bed

Reduce Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory foods and habits help.

Try:

• Turmeric (add to food or tea)
• Green tea (2-3 cups daily)
• Reduce processed foods
• Get enough sleep
• Manage stress

→ Diet guide: Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eye Health and Vision Protection

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Sometimes, natural remedies need a boost.

Artificial Tears

These lubricating drops help immediately.

Types –

• Preservative-free – Best for frequent use (4+ times daily)
• With preservatives – OK for occasional use
• Gel drops – Thicker, last longer
• Ointments – Very thick, use at bedtime

How to choose –

• Preservative-free if you use them often
• Try a few brands to find what works
• Thicker drops for severe dryness

How to use –

• 1-2 drops per eye as needed
• Don’t touch the dropper to your eye
• Tilt your head back and pull down the lower lid
• Look up and squeeze the drop into the pocket

Recommended brands – (Ask pharmacist for current options)

Lubricating Eye Ointments

For nighttime use.

Benefits

• Very thick and long-lasting
• Protect eyes during sleep
• Soothe severely dry eyes

Downside

• Blur vision temporarily
• Best used at bedtime

Eyelid Wipes

Pre-made wipes for cleaning lids.

When to use

• You have blepharitis
• Your eyelids are inflamed
• You want convenience

Brands: Look for tea tree oil or hypochlorous acid wipes.

Lifestyle Changes That Help

These habits make a big difference for dry eye syndrome.

Adjust Your Environment

At home

• Use humidifier
• Avoid direct fans
• Don’t sit under AC vents
• Keep the room temperature moderate

At work

• Position the computer screen below eye level
• Take frequent breaks
• Use a desk humidifier
• Wear computer glasses if needed

In the car

• Don’t point vents at the face
• Use sunglasses
• Keep windows up on windy days

Modify Computer Use

Essential tips

• Reduce brightness to match room
• Increase text size
• Use a blue light filter
• Follow 20-20-20 rule
• Blink consciously

Contact Lens Care

If you wear contacts

• Limit wearing time
• Take breaks during the day
• Use rewetting drops made for contacts
• Consider daily disposables
• Try different lens types
• Give eye contact-free days

Sleep Habits

Better sleep helps dry eyes

• Sleep 7-9 hours
• Use a humidifier in the bedroom
• Consider a sleep mask (keeps lids closed)
• Remove contacts before bed
• Use nighttime ointment

Exercise

Regular activity helps

• Improves circulation
• Reduces inflammation
• Lowers stress
• Supports overall health

Aim for – 30 minutes daily, 5 days weekly

Manage Stress

Stress makes dry eyes worse.

Stress reducers

• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Yoga
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep

Medical Treatments

If natural dry eyes remedy options don’t work enough, these medical treatments help.

Prescription Eye Drops

Anti-inflammatory drops

• Restasis (cyclosporine): Reduces inflammation, increases tear production
• Xiidra (lifitegrast): Reduces inflammation
• It takes 3-6 months to work fully

Steroid drops

• Quick relief for severe inflammation
• Usually, short-term use only

Punctal Plugs

Tiny plugs are inserted in the tear ducts.

How they work

• Block tear drainage
• Keep tears on the eye surface longer
• Simple in-office procedure

Types

• Temporary (dissolve in weeks)
• Semi-permanent (can be removed)
• Permanent

Good for – People who make tears, but they drain too fast

Meibomian Gland Expression

Done by the eye doctor.

What happens

• The doctor applies pressure to the eyelids
• Squeezes out blocked oil
• Clears clogged glands

Helps: Evaporative dry eye

LipiFlow Treatment

High-tech gland treatment.

How it works

• Uses heat and pressure
• Unclogs meibomian glands
• It takes about 12 minutes

Results: Can last 1-3 years

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Light therapy for dry eyes.

How it helps

• Reduces inflammation
• Improves gland function
• Treats rosacea-related dry eye

Requires: Several sessions

Scleral Lenses

Special contact lenses for severe dry eye.

Benefits

• Create a moisture reservoir
• Protect the eye surface
• Improve comfort and vision

Used for – Severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments

Autologous Serum Drops

Made from your own blood.

How they work

• Blood is processed to remove cells
• Serum contains growth factors
• Promote healing

Used for – Severe dry eye that doesn’t respond to other treatments

Prevention Strategies

Stop dry eye syndrome before it starts!

Daily Habits

Do these every day-

• Blink consciously, especially during screen time
• Take screen breaks
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat omega-3-rich foods
• Use a humidifier in dry environments

Regular Eye Care

Maintain eye health –

• Get annual eye exams
• Clean eyelids daily
• Remove makeup before bed
• Don’t sleep in contacts
• Replace contacts as directed

Protect Your Eyes

From the environment –

• Wear sunglasses outdoors (wrap-around style)
• Avoid smoke and pollution
• Limit time in very dry places
• Use safety glasses when needed

Manage Health

Control underlying conditions –

• Keep diabetes under control
• Manage autoimmune diseases
• Treat allergies
• Balance hormones
• Maintain a healthy weight

Review Medications

Ask your doctor –

• Are my medications causing dry eyes?
• Are there alternatives?
• Can we adjust the dosage?

When to See an Eye Doctor

Some dry eye cases need professional help.

See a Doctor If

Symptoms are

• Severe or getting worse
• Not improving with home treatment
• Affecting your daily life
• Interfering with work or driving

You experience

• Sudden vision changes
• Severe pain
• Very red eyes
• Yellow or green discharge
• Eyes stuck shut in the morning

What to Expect at the Appointment

Your doctor will –

• Ask about symptoms and history
• Examine your eyes
• Test tear production (Schirmer test)
• Check tear quality
• Look at meibomian glands
• Evaluating the eye surface

Tests may include

• Tear break-up time
• Tear osmolarity
• Corneal staining
• Meibography (images of glands)

Treatment Plan

Your doctor might

• Prescribe eye drops
• Recommend specific treatments
• Treat underlying conditions
• Suggest procedures
• Create a custom plan for you

Success Stories: What Works

Real examples of eye dryness treatment that worked:

Case 1: Screen Worker

Problem: Severe dry eyes from 10 hours of daily computer work

Solution:

• Omega-3 supplements (1,000 mg daily)
• 20-20-20 rule religiously
• Desk humidifier
• Preservative-free drops 4x daily

Result: 70% improvement in 2 months

Case 2: Post-Menopausal Woman

Problem: Dry eyes after menopause

Solution:

• Warm compresses twice daily
• Eyelid hygiene
• Omega-3s
• Prescription Restasis

Result – Significant relief after 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Eye Syndrome

Q: How long until I see improvement?

A: Most people notice some relief in 2-4 weeks. Full improvement may take 2-3 months, especially with omega-3s.

Q: Can dry eyes be cured?

A: Chronic dry eye is usually managed, not cured. But many people get complete relief with proper treatment.

Q: Are expensive drops better?

A: Not necessarily. Find what works for you. Preservative-free is more important than price.

Q: Will I need drops forever?

A: It depends on the cause. Some people need ongoing treatment. Others improve and can stop.

Q: Can dry eyes damage my vision?

A: Severe, untreated dry eye can damage the cornea. But most cases don’t cause permanent vision loss with proper care.

Q: Do blue light glasses help?

A: They might help reduce eye strain, which can worsen dry eyes. But they don’t treat dry eyes directly.

Q: Should I stop wearing contacts?

A: Not necessarily. Try daily disposables, reduce wearing time, and use rewetting drops. If still problematic, take a break.

Q: Is dry eyes worse in winter?

A: Yes! Heating dries indoor air. Use a humidifier and increase artificial tears in winter.

Final Thoughts

Dry eye syndrome affects millions, but you don’t have to suffer. Natural remedies work for most people!

Start with simple changes:

• Take omega-3s daily
• Use warm compresses
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule
• Stay hydrated
• Protect your eyes

Be patient. Most treatments take weeks to work. But stick with it!

Remember –

• Most dry eye is treatable
• Natural remedies are very effective
• Lifestyle changes make a big difference
• See a doctor if home treatments don’t help
• You can feel better!

Your eyes deserve comfort. Start your dry eye treatment today!

→ Related: Complete Guide to Eye Health: Vision Care, Prevention & Wellness

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for information only. It does not replace medical advice. If you have severe or persistent dry eyes, see an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

https://nextfitlife.com/