Dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a condition of lack of lubrication or moisture in the surface of the eye. The symptoms include irritation, redness, discharge and fatigue.
When either of the eyes doesn't produce enough tears or tears evaporate, a rapidly dry eye occurs. It is a very common condition as is the major reason for visiting an eye doctor.
The condition is also called dry eye disease or dysfunctional tear syndrome.
Most people rush to artificial tears eye drops that are generally available as OTC treatment. Castor oil is a similar home remedy as artificial tears to get relief from dry eyes.
Table of Contents
- Can Watery Eyes be Dry Eyes?
- How Castor Oil Treats Dry Eyes?
- How to Use Castor Oil for Dry Eyes?
- Pitiriasis Alba and Vitiligo
- Other Tips and Precautions
Can Watery Eyes be Dry Eyes?
It sounds counterintuitive. How can watery eyes be considered dry eyes?
But the facts is, watery eyes can be a symptom of dry eyes.
Let us try to understand it.
In a healthy eye the lubricating tears called basal tears continuously keep protecting the cornea with supplies. With every blink basal tears nourishes every bell of cornea by providing a protective lubricating film.
These tears are a mixture of fatty oils, water, mucus and thousands of different proteins that protect the surface of the eyes.
Dry eye occurs when the production of basal tears is reduced or the tears evaporate quickly due to environmental , medical or any other reasons.
Sometimes your eyes may shed more tears as a reflex action to protect your dry eyes. So, if you are getting more tears then dry eyes may be one of the reasons.
Under these circumstances you still need to treat your eyes for getting rid of dry eyes. The excess tear production will stop.
How Castor Oil Treats Dry Eyes?
Castor oil has many medicinal uses. It is one of the most hated but effective home remedies for constipation.
Castor oil contains fat in the form of ricinoleic acid which is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant.
It lubricates your eyes to get the lost moisture back as well as good for massaging eyelids to open clogged tear ducts.
How to Use Castor Oil for Dry Eyes?
You can use castor oil for dry eyes in one or more of the following ways.
This will lubricate your eyes as the artificial tears do
- Take pure organic hexane free medical grade castor oil
- Lie down on your back and put a single drop in one eye with an eye dropper
- Put another drop in the second eye
- Keep your eyes closed for 5 minutes and relax.
Don't worry if your vision is cloudy when you open your eyes. It may take some time to get clear vision as castor oil is very viscous.
2. Warm Compress and Castor Oil Massage
This is done to open the clogged tear ducts.
- Dip a fine piece of cloth in clean warm water. Make sure that the water is not to warm to cause sting or burn
- Press to remove excess water
- Close your eyes and place the warm water cloth on your eyelid for 1 minute
- Remove it and dip it again in warm water and repeat the whole process 4-5 times
- Close your eyes and dry the eyelids with a tissue
- Put a drop if castor oil on a finger tip and gently massage one of your closed eyelids and the bone above it for a minute
- Massage the other eye in the same way.
Other Tips and Precautions
Following tips and precautions will help you to treat and prevent dry eyes more effectively.
- Inform your doctor if the medications you are currently taking. Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, birth control pills, high blood pressure and other medications can cause dry eyes.
- Avoid windy, smokey or dry environments. If you can't then take care of your eyes by applying drops.
- Protect yourself from seasonal allergies as they can cause dry eyes.
- Take breaks from your computer every 30 minutes or so to keep your eyes wet and healthy.
- Use a humidifier
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses
- Drink lots of water daily
- Sleep well for at least 8 hours
Bottomline is, don't ignore your dry eyes. Treat them immediately and not key them become chronic as you may damage them.in the long term.