15 Simple Home Remedies for Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is when your eyes feel dry, gritty, and irritated. It is a common issue that can affect anyone, especially contact lens wearers, people who stare at screens all day, and older adults. If you’re experiencing burning, scratchy eyes, or blurry vision by day’s end, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from dry, uncomfortable eyes. Dry, desert climates like Arizona’s, with its low humidity, can make it even worse by causing tears to evaporate faster. The good news is that a few simple home remedies can provide relief for dry eyes.

Below, we highlight 15 effective dry eye home remedies you can try today! Our eye care team strongly recommends these tips to help you find comfort. And remember: if your symptoms persist or become severe, our dry eye specialists in Phoenix and Scottsdale are here to help with advanced care.

15 Simple DIY Solutions for Dry Eyes

Getting your eyes tested helps doctors diagnose dry eye syndrome, identify other eye issues, and understand the underlying cause of your condition. Are you wondering how to get rid of dry eyes in the meantime? You may be able to find relief with these simple home remedies for dry eyes:

1. Wash Your Eyelids and Lashes (Lid Hygiene)

 

Healthy tears start with clean eyelids. Gently washing your eyelids and lashes each day can help unclog oil glands and reduce irritation. Use warm water and a mild, lid-friendly cleanser (like baby shampoo or a preservative-free eyelid wipe) to softly scrub along your upper and lower lash lines. Removing any makeup or debris prevents those residues from contaminating your tear film and irritating your eyes. Clean lids mean your natural tears can better coat your eyes. For extra relief after cleaning, hold a warm, damp washcloth over your closed eyes for a few minutes to loosen oils and moisturize the area.

2. Apply Warm Compresses

A warm compress is one of the simplest and most soothing remedies for dry eyes. The heat helps open up the Meibomian glands along your eyelids, allowing them to release more of the oily layer that keeps tears from evaporating. To do a warm compress, wet a clean washcloth with warm (not hot) water, close your eyes, and lay the cloth over your eyelids for 5–10 minutes. The warmth not only feels relaxing but also helps your eyes regain moisture by stimulating better tear film quality. Many people find that a warm compress before bed or in the morning relieves dryness and blurry vision.

3. Gently Massage Your Eyelids

After using a warm compress, try a gentle eyelid massage. This can further express the oils from your Meibomian glands and improve tear quality. With clean fingers, softly rub your closed eyelids in a circular motion. For the upper lids, use a downward sweep toward the lash line; for lower lids, an upward sweep. It will encourage the flow of natural oils and can reduce that gritty feeling. Be very gentle to avoid irritation. If you consistently massage your lids once or twice daily, you may notice less dryness and more tear stability. (Note: If your eyes remain very irritated or symptoms worsen despite home care, it’s wise to schedule a professional dry eye evaluation to get tailored treatment.)

4. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule (Rest Your Eyes)

Constant screen time can wreak havoc on your tear film. Studies show computer users tend to blink far less frequently, which means their tears evaporate faster and their eyes feel dry. Give your eyes regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit forces you to rest your eyes and blink to re-wet the surface. If you work on a computer or read for long periods, set a timer as a reminder. During breaks, fully close your eyes and gently roll them to refresh the tear film. These mini-rests throughout the day can greatly reduce dryness and digital eye strain.

What the research says:

According to the National Institutes of Health, numerous studies show that computer users sometimes have reduced blink rates, which may contribute to dry eye syndrome.

Another study says that inefficient blinking, when your upper eyelid does not fully cover your corneal surface, can impede the fluid layers that nourish and lubricate the eye. This lipid layer may even evaporate completely due to inefficient blinking.

5. Blink More Frequently

Busy days sometimes make us forget to blink, especially when concentrating on screens or driving. Conscious blinking can help. Make an effort to blink fully and frequently, so your upper eyelid spreads tears evenly over the eye. You can even practice a blinking exercise: close your eyes normally for 2 seconds, then open them, then close them again, and gently squeeze your lids for 2 seconds before opening them again. This exercise empties out and refills your tear film, keeping your eyes moist. Blinking often (around 15–20 blinks per minute) and completely is key to preventing dry patches on your cornea. If you notice yourself staring at a screen without blinking, deliberately close your eyes for a moment to reset.

6. Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet

According to the American Association of Ophthalmology, omega-3 oils improve the functionality of the meibomian gland, which secretes the waxy portion of tears.

Omega-3s, therefore, can help naturally reduce the symptoms of dry eye by calming inflammation and boosting healthy fats. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in:

• • • Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna
    • Fish oil supplements
    • Flax seeds
    • Chia seeds
    • Walnuts
    • Palm and soybean oil

7. Add Vitamins A, B12, and D to Your Diet

Inadequate vitamin D levels have been linked to dry eye syndrome. As fat-soluble nutrients, vitamins B12 and A are also considered vital for eye health.

Other vitamins important for your eye health include:

• • • Vitamin E
    • Vitamin C
    • Vitamins B6 and B9
    • Riboflavin
    • Niacin
    • Lutein and Zeaxanthin
    • Thiamine

To help with eye issues and dry eye treatment, make sure you eat a more balanced diet. Consider these special-focus foods with their rich nutrient profile:

• Cruciferous vegetables
• Dairy
• Fish
• Citrus fruits
• Nuts
• Mushrooms
• Orange-colored fruits and vegetables
• Leafy greens
• Kiwis
• Grapes
• Other antioxidant-rich foods

If you have trouble getting enough of these foods, talk to your doctor about adding dietary supplements. Supplements can help your body get enough vitamins and minerals, but they can also lead to over-supplementation. Over-supplementation may cause additional issues, so you only want to take the supplements you need.

8. Stay Hydrated

It’s no surprise that drinking water is good for your eyes. Water lubricates the eyeballs and supports the lacrimal glands, allowing your eyes to produce tears, focus, and do everything else that eyes do. In contrast, when you’re dehydrated, your eyes can’t flush out debris or stay lubricated, leading to dryness and redness. Aim for about 8–10 glasses of water a day for overall health, including eye health. If that sounds like a lot, start by adding an extra glass or two to your routine and increase gradually. Keeping a water bottle at your desk or setting hydration reminders can help you make drinking water a habit. Well-hydrated eyes are less likely to feel dry and gritty, so drink up for your vision’s sake!

9. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

Too much alcohol consumption can be dehydrating, which can affect your eyes. A study by the National Institutes of Health found a connection between alcohol and dry eye syndrome. Limit alcohol intake, or eliminate it entirely, to see whether it’s contributing to your dry eyes.

Alcohol and caffeinated drinks (like coffee and soda) can be dehydrating, which in turn can worsen dry eye symptoms. Alcohol, in particular, has been linked to dry eye issues in studies. You don’t have to cut out your morning coffee or occasional wine entirely, but moderation is key. Try to limit alcohol consumption and balance caffeinated drinks with water. For instance, if you have a cup of coffee, follow it with a glass of water to stay hydrated. Pay attention to whether your eyes feel extra dry after a night out or after multiple lattes – it might be a sign to cut back. By reducing dehydrating beverages, you give your eyes a better chance to stay comfortably moisturized.

10. Quit Smoking (and Avoid Smoke)

If you smoke, know that smoking is extremely harsh on the eyes. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that can irritate your eyes and even alter your tear composition. In fact, smokers have about twice the risk of developing dry eye problems. Smoking can break down the lipid layer of tears, leading to faster evaporation and more irritation. Quitting smoking is not only great for your overall health, but it will also improve your eye comfort and reduce dryness. If you’re not a smoker, try to avoid being around heavy smoke or smoky environments. Even secondhand smoke can bother your eyes and dry them out. By staying smoke-free, you’ll protect your tear film and significantly reduce dryness and redness.

11. Get Enough Sleep

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that a lack of sleep robs your eyes of tears. That’s enough to cause more issues for those with dry eyes.

Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests the following:

• • • Change your daytime routine. For example, exercise in the morning instead of the evening.
    • Create a comfortable sleep environment, preferably a dark and quiet one. You can hang blackout curtains to help block light from nearby street lights or city lights.
    • Set a bedtime routine, and go to bed at the same time every night. Work on relaxing for an hour before bed, and put away phones, tablets, and other blue-light devices.

12. Use the Right Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

When your eyes are feeling scratchy, artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can offer quick relief, but it’s important to choose the right kind. Not all eye drops are equal. For dry eye symptom relief, preservative-free lubricating drops are often best. They avoid added chemicals that can irritate your eyes (especially if you need to apply drops multiple times a day).

Steer clear of “redness relief” drops; those often contain vasoconstrictors that can worsen irritation if overused. Instead, look for labels that say “dry eye relief” or “lubricating” and use as directed. You might also consider thicker gel drops or ointments at night for longer-lasting moisture. Just note that gels and ointments can temporarily blur your vision, so they’re best used at bedtime. If you find yourself needing drops constantly, it’s a sign to see a doctor rather than simply increasing usage. But for mild intermittent dryness, keeping a bottle of artificial tears on hand can be a real comfort.

Are you overusing eye drops?

13. Try Lubricating Gels or Ointments at Night

Lubricating gels and ointments coat your eyeballs and bring longer-lasting relief than eye drops. However, these remedies for dry eyes are thicker than drops, so they may interfere with vision and should only be used before you go to sleep.

Gels and ointments come with their own warnings:

• • • Thicker gels and ointments can interfere with meibomian glands — the glands along the eyelids near your eyelashes — making dry eye worse.
    • Long-term use can mask the root cause of dry eye.
    • Lack of good eyelid hygiene can cause more eye irritation.
    • Patients can overuse gels and ointments when they don’t actually need them.

14. Change Your Environment

Sometimes, low humidity, high winds, dust, air conditioning, heat, and smoke can cause temporary dryness and irritation. Step away from the situation, if you can. If indoors, consider the room’s ambient moisture.

Here are a few ways to reduce eye irritation:

• • Use a humidifier. Cool-mist humidifiers are best year-round if you have pets or children, while warm-mist humidifiers are best in cooler months. Warm-mist models are also less likely to encourage bacterial growth.
  • Place a pan of water near your radiator or portable heater to help increase the moisture in the air.
  • Avoid long-term exposure to dry or blowing air, as air conditioning can irritate the eyes.
  • Use high-quality HVAC filters to block pollutants and allergens. Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help reduce airborne allergens.
  • Keep windows closed during high winds and on “poor-air days” when air pollution and smog are high. You should also close the windows if the winds are pushing

15. Wear Wraparound-Style Sunglasses

Dry eye syndrome can cause photophobia. This condition is an abnormal sensitivity to light, and it can lead to squinting, eye pain, spots in your vision, forehead pain, and uncontrolled tears. There are several types of eyewear that can help ease your dry eye symptoms and keep them from getting worse:

• • • • • Wraparound sunglasses
        • Onion glasses, which lock out irritating vapors
        • FL-41 filtered lenses and blue-blocking lenses

When to See a Dry Eye Specialist

Home remedies can significantly ease dry eye symptoms. But how do you know when it’s time to seek professional help? Here are some signs you should see a dry eye doctor:

• Persistent symptoms: If you’ve tried several at-home remedies consistently and your eyes are still dry, red, or painful, don’t keep suffering. Chronic dry eye can indicate an underlying issue that needs medical treatment.
• Worsening or severe pain: Sharp eye pain, extreme sensitivity to light, sudden changes in vision, or any new symptoms (like significant redness or swelling) should be evaluated by a specialist right away. These could signal that dry eye is masking a more serious problem, such as blepharitis or an eye surface infection.
• Contact lens intolerance: If you find you can’t wear your contacts as long as you used to because of dryness or discomfort, it’s a good idea to get a professional dry eye evaluation. You may need specific treatment or a change in lens type.
• Impact on daily life: Blurry vision from dry eyes, constant tearing, or irritation that interferes with work, reading, or driving are signs that you deserve more help. Modern dry eye treatments can restore your comfort and clarity.

At Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, we have dedicated dry eye specialists serving patients across all of Arizona. Our team will perform a comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause of your dryness. We use advanced diagnostics to assess your tear production, tear film quality, and eyelid health. Once we identify the problem, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to give you lasting relief.

Professional dry eye treatment might include prescription anti-inflammatory drops (like Restasis or Xiidra), meibomian gland therapies, or cutting-edge in-office procedures. For example, we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF) treatments that unclog glands and reduce inflammation, directly addressing one of the leading causes of dry eye (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). These innovative therapies, along with options like punctal plugs (to retain tears) or specialty contact lenses, can provide significant relief when home remedies aren’t enough. Our doctors will walk you through the best options for your eyes, ensuring you feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way.

You don’t have to live with constantly dry, irritated eyes. If your eyes are bothering you, take the next step toward relief. Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center – we have convenient locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and throughout Arizona. Our compassionate eye care team is ready to help you see and feel better. Call us at (602) 955-1000 or schedule an appointment online today, and let us help you get back to comfortable, clear sight.

In the meantime, download our comprehensive free guide to dry eye treatment to learn more about the condition.