If you’re experiencing the discomfort of gritty, tired, and tender eyes, you might find relief in home remedies for sore eyes. Sore or achy eyes can be attributed to various factors, with conjunctivitis being the most common cause of eye discomfort. Bacterial and viral infections, as well as allergic reactions, are among the other potential culprits.
Bacterial conjunctivitis often leads to the production of sticky discharge, while viral conjunctivitis manifests as red, itchy eyes with watery discharge. Conversely, allergic conditions can make your eyes feel as though a foreign object is present.
While antibiotic drops and ointments are widely used to treat irritated eyes and severe eye discomfort, this article provides natural solutions for those who prefer alternative remedies. It’s important to note that if the issue persists for more than a week, seeking the advice of an eye doctor is advisable.
Causes of Sore Eyes:
Sore eyes can be attributed to various factors, including:
Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight without proper eye protection.
Eye Infections: Bacterial or viral infections affecting the eyes.
Excessive Eye Rubbing: Frequent rubbing of the eyes, which can irritate them.
Exposure to Airborne Irritants: Allergens or pollutants in the air that come into contact with the eyes.
Contact Lenses: Improper use or hygiene of contact lenses can lead to eye discomfort.
Incorrect Glasses: Wearing eyeglasses with an incorrect prescription can strain the eyes.
Viral Infections: Such as the common cold can affect the eyes, causing discomfort.
Overexposure to Screens: Spending extended hours in front of a TV or laptop screen.
Dryness: Reduced blinking or dehydration can result in dry eyes, leading to discomfort.
Sore eyes are commonly associated with viral infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), but these infections are not the sole culprits.
Causes of sore eyes can include eyelid infections (cellulitis) and viral colds. Individuals with dry eyes are more susceptible to experiencing soreness due to dehydration.
Physical stress from prolonged screen time, such as staring at a TV or laptop screen, and mental stress can also contribute to eye soreness.
Symptoms of Sore Eyes:
Sore eyes often manifest with the following symptoms:
Dryness: The eyes feel dry and lack moisture.
Redness: The whites of the eyes may appear red or bloodshot.
Irritability: Discomfort or irritation in the eyeballs or eyelids.
Pain: Aching or pain in the eyeballs.
Watering: Excessive tearing or watering of the eyes.
Blurred Vision: Vision may become unclear or hazy.
Eye Fatigue or Strain: Eyes may feel tired and strained.
Uncomfortable sensations like burning, eyelids sticking together, morning eye difficulty, and even symptoms such as sore lymph glands, a sore throat, or a runny nose can all be subtle signs of sore eyes.
But what if you’re seeking relief from sore eyes? Well, you’re in luck because there’s not just one, but a plethora of straightforward, natural methods to give your eyes the comfort they need. Continue reading to discover effective home remedies for sore eyes.
Home Remedies to Soothe Sore Eyes:
- Cold Compress
- Cucumber
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Castor Oil
- Rose Water
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Milk and Honey
- Baking Soda
- Potato
- Coriander
- Epsom Salt
- Guava Leaves
- Calamansi
- Turmeric Eyewash
These home remedies can provide the relief your sore eyes need.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can work wonders for soothing irritated and sore eyes, alleviating that uncomfortable burning sensation. This simple home remedy for sore eyes is often preferred over a warm compress because it effectively calms inflamed skin.
You Will Need:
An ice pack
What You Have To Do:
Place the ice pack on the sore eye for about 4-5 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
Alternatively:
Utilize a frozen food item wrapped in a clean, soft cloth and apply it to the affected eye.
Dip a washcloth in cold water and gently place it over the eye.
Place a metal spoon in the freezer for a couple of minutes and then apply the cold spoon to the affected eye.
Refrigerate a used tea bag for a few minutes and place the cold tea bag on the sore eye. Various tea options such as green tea, peppermint tea, calendula tea, black tea, chamomile tea, or even rooibos tea bags can be used for sore eyes. An added benefit of using a tea bag is the presence of antioxidants that can expedite the healing process. These tea bags also possess anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling, often associated with sore eyes.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are known for their cooling effects on the body, and this holds true for the eyes as well. They provide soothing relief to sore and irritated eyes, effectively reducing discomfort. Additionally, cucumbers can help lighten dark circles and relieve puffiness.
You Will Need:
2 cucumber slices
Cold water
What You Have To Do:
Soak the cucumber slices in cold water for 2-3 minutes.
Place the chilled slices on your closed eyes and leave them on for 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this remedy as needed to alleviate soreness.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera offers exceptional relaxation for the eyes due to its soothing properties. Eye drops containing aloe vera extracts can effectively treat eye inflammation. Aloe vera gel is also beneficial for managing dry eyes.
Caution: Ensure you use fresh or organic aloe vera gel, as commercial variants may contain additives that can irritate the eyes.
You Will Need:
1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
1-2 tablespoons of cold water
2 cotton balls
What You Have To Do:
Dilute fresh aloe gel with cold water.
Soak the cotton balls in this mixture and place them on your closed eyelids for 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process twice a day.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a common ingredient found in many eye drops and has a soothing effect on the eyes. It can effectively reduce eye irritation by improving tear stability, preventing tear evaporation, and providing lubrication for dry eyes.
You Will Need:
Organic and pure castor oil
A dropper
What You Have To Do:
Using a clean dropper, administer a drop of castor oil into each eye.
Leave it in overnight.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process every night and once again during the day.
Rose Water
Rose water is a well-known home remedy for relieving eye soreness and fatigue. Herbal eye drop preparations containing rose water extracts have been found to improve ophthalmic disorders like conjunctivitis, dry eye, and cataracts.
You Will Need:
Rose water
Cotton pads
What You Have To Do:
Dip the cotton pads in rose water and squeeze out the excess.
Place the soaked cotton pads on your closed eyelids and leave them on for 10-15 minutes.
For the best results, use chilled rose water.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for relieving eye soreness caused by infections. ACV possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can effectively combat infection-causing bacteria and help treat sore eyes.
You Will Need:
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of water
Cotton balls
What You Have To Do:
Soak a clean cotton ball in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.
Place the soaked cotton ball on your eyelids for 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process 1-2 times a day.
Milk and Honey
Honey is renowned for its antibacterial qualities and can treat dry eyes effectively. The warmth of milk further soothes irritation and inflammation.
You Will Need:
1 teaspoon of warm milk
2-3 drops of honey
A dropper
What You Have To Do:
Mix honey with warm milk.
Administer a drop or two of this mixture into the affected eye using a clean dropper.
Keep your eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
Rinse the eye with clean water afterward.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process twice a day.
Baking Soda
Baking soda serves as a cleansing agent for your eyes, effectively flushing out impurities that may have entered them. It is also an antiseptic that kills infection-causing microbes in and around the affected area.
You Will Need:
1 teaspoon of baking soda
Water
A cup or glass
What You Have To Do:
Take a cup or glass that can fit around your eye.
Add baking soda to it and fill it with water.
Position your eye over this water and attempt to keep it open for as long as possible, rolling your eyes around for a minute or two.
Rinse out any remaining baking soda water with plain, clean water.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process once a day until the infection and soreness subside.
Potato
Potatoes are effective in reducing eye inflammation, and even potato peels possess anti-inflammatory properties. Applying potato juice can help reduce swelling and soothe the skin around the eyes.
You Will Need:
A potato
Cotton pads
What You Have To Do:
Peel and grate the potato.
Squeeze out the juice and pour it onto the cotton pad.
Place the soaked cotton pad on the affected eye for 15 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process once daily, preferably before bedtime.
Coriander
Coriander is a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine for treating eye infections and soreness. Research has shown that coriander seed extract, in the form of a coriander spray, can effectively alleviate itchy eyes.
You Will Need:
A handful of coriander leaves
An eye dropper
What You Have To Do:
Grind the coriander leaves to extract their juice.
Using an eye dropper, add two drops of this liquid into both eyes.
While you can use this solution specifically for the infected eye, it is advisable to apply the eye drops to both eyes as a precautionary measure.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process twice a day.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, possesses soothing and anti-inflammatory properties (16). This can help alleviate inflammation and provide relief to sore eyes.
You Will Need:
1 teaspoon of Epsom salt
1/2 cup of hot water
Cotton rounds
What You Have To Do:
Add the Epsom salt to the hot water and mix it thoroughly until it dissolves.
Once the temperature becomes warm and comfortable, soak a cotton round in this solution and place it over your eye.
Leave it on for 5-7 minutes, then rinse your eye (and face) with cool water.
Pat the skin dry and apply a mild moisturizer around the eye to prevent dryness caused by the salt.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process 1-2 times a day.
Guava Leaves
This remedy is effective for treating sore eyes caused by infections. Guava leaves possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. They can help reduce irritation, swelling, and pain around the eyes.
You Will Need:
4-5 guava leaves
A glass of water
A soft face cloth
What You Have To Do:
Boil the guava leaves in water.
Dampen the face cloth and place the warm guava leaves in between to create a hot compress.
Apply this compress to the infected eye for 10-12 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process every day until the eye infection clears up.
Calamansi
Calamansi, also known as calamondin, is a citrus fruit hybrid commonly referred to as the Philippine lime. Calamansi possesses antimicrobial properties that can help clear eye infections and reduce soreness.
Caution: The juice may cause a slight stinging sensation due to its acidic nature, which is normal.
You Will Need:
1-2 drops of calamansi juice
3-4 drops of warm water
What You Have To Do:
Dilute the calamansi juice with water and add a drop or two into the affected eye.
Gently roll your eye a few times, then rinse the juice out with plain water.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this process once a day.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that curcumin can have beneficial effects on various eye conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
You Will Need:
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
1 glass of water
A dropper
What You Have To Do:
Heat the water until it is warm and then add turmeric powder to it. Mix well.
Use a dropper to administer a drop of this mixture into the affected eye.
How Often You Should Do This:
Use this home remedy for sore eyes twice a day.
Apart from utilizing these effective home remedies for sore eyes, ensuring the overall health and well-being of your eyes is essential. Adequate rest and sleep play a pivotal role in maintaining healthy eyes. Just like the rest of your body, your eyes require rejuvenation, and a good night’s sleep can do wonders. Aim for 6-8 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your eyes refreshed.
If you continue to experience sore eyes despite using these remedies, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Some symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition, and seeking medical attention is imperative. Here are warning signs that necessitate immediate medical intervention:
When To See Your Doctor
Contact your doctor promptly if you experience any of the following:
Pus discharging from your eyes.
Sudden blurry vision.
Seeing lights or illusions.
Difficulty moving your eyeballs.
Now, let’s explore some preventive measures and tips to maintain good eye health:
Prevention Methods And Tips For Sore Eyes
Wearing Sunglasses And Goggles:
When stepping out into the sunlight, always remember to wear UV protection sunglasses. If you’re a swimmer, protect your eyes with goggles when entering the pool to prevent chlorine from causing itchiness, redness, or puffiness in your eyes.
Stay Hydrated:
Proper hydration is crucial for your eyes. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your eyes moist and your body cool, particularly during hot summer months. It also supports overall well-being and boosts your immune system.
Follow A Nutrient-Rich Diet:
Maintain a healthy diet that nourishes your body and eyes. Incorporate foods rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A supports eye health, while vitamin C enhances immunity. Foods such as eggs, cod liver oil, leafy greens, yellow fruits, and vegetables like carrots, papayas, pumpkins, and mangoes are rich in vitamin A. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and capsicum.
Perform Eye Exercises:
Engage in simple daily eye exercises to strengthen the muscles around your eyes and relieve strain. These exercises can contribute to maintaining good eye health.
Manage Stress:
High levels of stress can lead to various eye-related issues. Ensure you get enough rest and sleep, aiming for at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night. Additionally, practicing yoga and meditation can be beneficial in reducing stress and promoting eye health.
Relieve Physical Stress:
The constant use of our eyes, particularly when staring at screens like computers or TVs, can subject them to physical stress. To alleviate this, take short breaks to look at distant points or natural surroundings. Observing greenery, like trees or shrubs, is believed to have a soothing effect on the eyes.
Maintain Proper Eye Care:
Hygiene and eye care are paramount. Change your pillowcases every third day and ensure thorough removal of eye makeup before sleeping. Regular blinking helps naturally lubricate dry eyes, and you can also opt for saline-based over-the-counter eye drops.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your routine, you can significantly contribute to maintaining healthy and comfortable eyes.
If you find that the home remedies mentioned above do not provide relief from sore eyes, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical advice from your healthcare provider. You can explore individual remedies or even combine them to alleviate the discomfort associated with sore eyes. Additionally, consider trying alternative remedies such as vitamin E oil, coconut oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, potato slices, and witch hazel drops, as they have been reported anecdotally to be effective in soothing sore eyes and supporting overall eye health.
However, certain situations may require immediate medical attention. If you experience severe pain due to foreign body lodgement, chemical injuries, or burns to the eye, do not hesitate to contact emergency medical services. Furthermore, specific symptoms should not be taken lightly and warrant urgent medical evaluation, including severe pain, photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light), persistent headaches, seeing halos around lights, high fever, and sudden changes in vision. Your eye health is essential, and timely medical intervention can prevent further complications and ensure your well-being.
FAQ’S
Why is my eye sore?
Soreness in the eye can be caused by various factors such as eye strain, dryness, allergies, infections like conjunctivitis or styes, foreign objects in the eye, or even a symptom of a more severe underlying condition.
What causes sores in the eyes?
Sores in the eyes might be due to viral or bacterial infections, allergies, dry eyes, or irritation caused by wearing contact lenses for an extended period. Additionally, conditions like corneal ulcers or keratitis can lead to sores.
How do you treat a sore eye?
Treatment depends on the cause. For mild soreness due to fatigue or eye strain, resting the eyes and using artificial tears can help. However, for infections or persistent soreness, consulting an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
What are the symptoms of eye pressure pain?
Eye pressure pain might include symptoms like eye discomfort, a feeling of pressure behind the eyes, headaches, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.
What is the fastest way to cure sore eyes?
The fastest way to alleviate sore eyes depends on the cause. For temporary relief, you can use cold compresses or over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. However, if the soreness persists or worsens, seeking medical advice is recommended.
Are sore eyes serious?
Sore eyes can be a symptom of various conditions, some of which might be serious. It’s essential to pay attention to persistent soreness, changes in vision, or accompanying symptoms and seek medical attention if needed.
Which tablet is best for eye pain?
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate mild eye pain. However, if the pain persists or is severe, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable before taking any medication.
What is the best home remedy for eye infection?
Home remedies such as warm compresses, gentle eyelid cleansing with diluted baby shampoo, or using saline solutions can sometimes help alleviate symptoms. However, for any eye infection, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can lack of sleep cause eye pain?
Yes, lack of sleep or inadequate rest can cause eye strain and discomfort, leading to eye pain or soreness.
How long can eye soreness last?
The duration of eye soreness varies depending on the cause. Mild soreness due to fatigue might resolve within a day or two, while soreness from infections or other conditions might persist until properly treated.
Can stress cause eye pain?
Stress can contribute to eye strain and discomfort, leading to eye pain or headaches. Stress management techniques and adequate rest can help reduce such discomfort.