Each and every one of us has probably suffered from sore eyes at least once in our lives. The term ‘sore eyes’ is a bit ambiguous though, and refers to a number of conditions which may or may not be caused by bacteria or viruses. Quite often, sore eyes are not persistent, and may be caused by temporary conditions or foreign bodies. But if you suffer from constant problems, then it’s probably time to consult your doctor. Try not to leave persistent symptoms unattended, because they could develop into much worse problems down the line. However, if you seem to have the problems only once in a while, you can adopt a couple of home remedies to alleviate the symptoms, without having to resort to eyedrops or medicines.
But before we list out some of the most effective home remedies to treat sore eyes, it’s important to understand the sort of discomfort you’re experiencing, to better diagnose your problems. Some of the most common types are:
- Dry and sore eyes: If your eyes seem to feel dry and uncomfortable, with a ‘sandy’ feeling, it’s possible that you suffer from dry eye syndrome. Consequently, people suffering from dry eyes also tend to tear up excessively, to compensate for it.
- Dull, persistent pain: If you seem to have a dull, unfocused pain, it may be a sign of overuse or exertion. But, if it just doesn’t seem to go away, it could be an early sign of glaucoma.
- Sharp eye pain: Pain that seems to ‘stab’ your eyes from behind could be a result of physical trauma or injury, but in some cases could also point to a brain tumor or acute closed-angle glaucoma
- Itchy, red and sore eyes: Itchy eyes are almost a dead giveaway for allergies or conjunctivitis. Excessive rubbing or irritation by foreign objects can also cause it, temporarily.
Now, let’s have a look at a few things you can do at home to soothe the pain caused by sore eyes:
- Splash your eyes with cold water: The simplest and most effective way to temporarily treat sore eyes is to splash your eyes with cold water. It’s also a good idea to place a towel dipped in cold water on your eyes. You can also wrap ice cubes in small, clean towels and place them over your eyes.
- Place slices of cucumber over your eyes: It’s pretty well known that cucumber has a cooling effect on our bodies. That’s exactly why slices of it are placed on people’s eyes at beauty parlors and the like. Soreness can be treated by doing the same, but you can also dunk the cucumber slices in cold water for added effect.
- Castor oil eyedrops: Home-made castor oil eye drops are very effective in relieving the pain caused by sore eyes. Simply put 2 drops of pure castor oil in each eye as and when you like, using a clean dropper.
- Rose water dabs: Rose water is easily available, and plays a great role in treating sore eyes. All you need to do is dip a piece of clean cotton in rose water and rub it on your closed eyelids. The cooling effect is almost instantaneous.
- Applying apple cider vinegar with water: Apple cider, mixed with water is a great way to get rid of pain caused by sore eyes. Just make sure to use pure apple cider vinegar, and a clean wad of cotton to apply it to your eyes.
- Coriander juice eyedrops: Coriander is commonly found in Indian households, and is very effective in treating sore eyes. Just squeeze out the juice from coriander leaves into a clean container, and use an eye dropper to apply two drops of this liquid to each of your eyes. Simple, yet effective!
- Chilled teabags: Tea contains bio-flavonoids, which fight harmful bacteria and viruses. Placing them over sore eyes quickly relieves the symptoms, and also decrease swelling. Plus, it smells great.
- Aloe Vera gel: Aloe vera is very well known for its soothing and healing properties. Simply squeeze out the gel from aloe vera leaves, mix it with a little cold water, and wash your eyes with it. Plus, you can also use a wad of cotton to apply pure aloe vera gel over your closed eyelids it you’re suffering from swollen eyelids or inflammation.
So these were our picks for the best home remedies to treat sore eyes. They’re pretty easy to prepare or do, and should help you get some relief, at least temporarily. But as we mentioned above, do not ignore persistent problems, as they could lead to worse complications. It’s always a good idea to regularly get your eyes checked as well, we can even tell you how frequently you need to do it. Better safe than sorry, right?
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