Natural remedies for strained eyes

“Tired or strained eyes” occur more and more frequently in our modern day world.

It is typified by a puffiness around the eyes and a heavy feeling in the head.

Although lack of sleep is the major reason for tired eyes, there are many other causes. Other causes may also include excessive crying and fatigue.{{more}}

With increased industrialization and the concomitant pollution of our environment, allergies and an inadequate supply of oxygen to the eyes have become the culprits.

Symptoms or signs of this include redness, a burning sensation and heaviness and irritation of the eyes. These can, if continued and severe, lead to headaches.

Following are some simple home remedies to help alleviate this often bothersome and sometimes debilitating problem:

1. Take a cucumber, slice it and place it on the eyes.

2. Simply wash the eyes regularly with cold water. This relaxes the eyes and helps remove tiredness.

3. Put cotton wool in a bowl with water with a few drops of lavender oil added to it and rest it on closed eyelids for as long as you have the time.

4. Place 2 spoons in the freezer. Do not freeze them, but when they are cold, place them under the eyes to reduce puffiness.

5. Dip cotton balls in tea water or use tea bags and rest them on the eyelids.

6. Place cotton balls in a small bowl of cold milk and rest them over the eyelids to reduce puffiness.

7. 2 cups of boiled cooled water with a dash of boric acid (do not use without instruction) can be used to wash the eyes.

These are very simple, yet effective, natural ways to treat tired eyes. However, one very important aspect of this bothersome condition is hydration.

Remember to drink adequate amounts of water daily, especially if the environment is dry.

The chief culprits here are air conditioning units. Working long hours in air conditioned environments dries out the eyes. A minimum of 6 glasses, and as many as 10 glasses of water a day is recommended.

These simple yet effective methods of both preventing and treating a potentially unbearable condition can save us much discomfort.

The good thing is that you can save money on consultation fees!

Until next week.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com

Tel: 784 456-1210