Dry and itchy eyes are a common problem, affecting about 12 million Americans, according to the University of Illinois. Dry eyes may develop in response to environmental irritants, allergies and use of certain medications, or they may be caused by an underlying disease or structural abnormality. While medications or surgery may be necessary for severely dry eyes, many cases of dry and itchy eyes respond to home remedies.
Artificial Tears
Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears for lubrication or when the eye's natural tears are unable to spread evenly across the surface of the eyes. Supplementing or replacing the eye's natural tears with artificial tears effectively treats dry and itchy eyes by washing away allergens and lubricating the eyes to ease irritation, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
If you do not want to purchase commercial eye drops, you can make your own by boiling approximately 1/2 tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of water. Allow the solution to cool, and then apply two drops to each eye using a sterile eyedropper. Discard the solution after 24 hours. Only use sterile ingredients and droppers when administering eye drops to avoid developing an eye infection.
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in some fish and flaxseed oil are beneficial to eye health, according to the American Optometric Association, and Good Hope states that omega-3 fatty acids reduce dry eyes by as much as 60 percent. Fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel, are sources of omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Mayo Clinic, topical omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may also be beneficial for dry eyes, and research is under way to determine the effectiveness of eye drops containing essential fatty acids.
Protection from Environmental Irritants
Allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander and mold are common sources of dry eyes. According to All About Vision, as many as half of all Americans suffer from allergies, and approximately three-quarters of those people experience allergy-related eye symptoms. Wearing wrap-around glasses, using an air filter and driving with the car windows closed will help treat dry and itchy eyes related to allergies. Air filters also remove dust and other environmental irritants from the air, and wearing glasses protects the eyes from wind and sun damage. Good Hope recommends quitting smoking and avoiding smoky conditions.
Other Remedies
Keeping the eyes moisturized by drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier indoors during dry, winter months can relieve eye dryness, according to the University of Illinois. High indoor humidity encourages mold growth, however, and may make allergic dry and itchy eyes more severe. Keeping humidity levels between 30 and 45 percent will keep the eye moist without promoting mold growth. Pointing heating and cooling vents away from the face during sleep, wearing goggles when swimming and consciously blinking are also beneficial for dry eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic. InteliHealth recommends applying warm, wet compresses to dry eyes to soothe irritation and stimulate tear production.
