Natural Ways to Manage Blepharitis and Dry Eyes

Managing blepharitis and dry eyes isn't always about relying on medications or artificial treatments. If you're after some natural ways to ease your symptoms and improve eye comfort, small tweaks to your daily routine can make a big difference. Each tweak might make a small difference, but it adds up quickly!

Let’s explore some simple, practical changes that can help manage your symptoms naturally, while also supporting the health of your eyes.

What Is Blepharitis and Dry Eyes?

Let's start by better understanding the problem.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacterial build-up or clogged glands. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it can lead to swollen, red eyelids, along with that persistent feeling like something’s stuck in your eye. 
Dry eyes occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears aren’t of the right quality. This leads to irritation, dryness, and discomfort. The National Eye Institute explains that dry eyed can also cause blurry vision and difficulty focusing, especially on screens.

Both conditions can overlap and make daily life uncomfortable as I understand personally! But with the right approach, you can manage your symptoms and even prevent flare-ups. Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to naturally support your eye health.

Natural Ways to Manage Blepharitis and Dry Eye

1. Maintain Regular Eyelid Hygiene

Proper eyelid hygiene is one of the most effective ways to manage blepharitis and dry eye. When oil and debris build up on the eyelids, it can block the glands that produce tears, worsening both conditions.

Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to your eyelids for 5-10 minutes daily helps to loosen oils and debris, easing inflammation and promoting healthy tear production.
Gentle Eyelid Cleansing: Make cleaning your eyelids a regular part of your routine with a product like Blephadex Foam. This gentle foam is specifically designed to cleanse the eyelids and remove oils, bacteria, and debris without irritating the skin. It’s perfect for keeping inflammation under control and maintaining eye comfort.

By introducing these simple steps into your daily hygiene routine, you can help reduce irritation and keep your eyes feeling more comfortable.

2. Manage Your Screen Time

Extended screen time can contribute to both dry eyes and blepharitis. Staring at a screen for long periods reduces your blink rate, causing your eyes to dry out and feel scratchy. Working at a computer for several hours a day can cause some discomfort.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps encourage regular blinking and gives your eyes a break from strain. This can be difficult to follow, I like to set some alarms or timers on my phone to keep me honest.
Position Your Screen Correctly: Place your screen at eye level to reduce strain on your eyes and encourage natural blinking. Sit/stand desks in offices are a good option! Don't be afraid to move your screens around!
Blue Light Filters: Consider using a blue light filter or wearing glasses with a blue light coating to protect your eyes from digital strain. Talk to your local Optometrist about what they can do as well as checking the settings on your devices. 

By managing screen time and adjusting your environment, you can reduce irritation and prevent dry eye symptoms from worsening.

3. Hydrate and Nourish Your Eyes with a Balanced Diet

What you put in your body affects your eye health too. Eating a diet rich in omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants supports tear production and reduces inflammation.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water each day to keep your body—and your eyes—well hydrated. Dry eyes can be made worse by dehydration, so make sure you’re getting at least 8 glasses a day. Do yourself a favour and buy a big drink bottle!
Add Omega-3 Rich Foods: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support healthy tear production. Foods like salmon, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are excellent sources of omega-3s that can help keep your eyes moist. If you like fish, this one should be easy.
Include Vitamin A and C: Vitamin A is essential for maintaining a healthy cornea, while Vitamin C supports the blood vessels in your eyes. Carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, and capsicum are all packed with these nutrients.

A balanced diet can have a huge impact on the health of your eyes, providing them with the nourishment they need to stay comfortable and function properly. To further assist you get Omega-3, we stock an amazing supplement from TheraTears Nutrition which will boost your Omega-3 intake and help from the inside out.

4. Use Natural Eye Products for Extra Relief

If you’re suffering from dry eye symptoms, adding Optimel Eye Drops or Optimel Gel to your routine can help. These drops/gel use the healing power of manuka honey, which is known for its antibacterial properties and ability to soothe irritated eyes. Manuka honey has been shown to help reduce inflammation and promote healing, making it a perfect natural remedy for dry eye relief.

Hydrating drops/gels like Optimel can provide quick and effective relief, keeping your eyes moisturised and comfortable, even during those long workdays or screen sessions.

5. Avoid Smoking and Dry Environments

Smoking and exposure to dry environments can worsen both dry eye and blepharitis. The chemicals in smoke can irritate the eyes, while dry air can lead to increased tear evaporation. To protect your eyes:

Quit Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting. The American Journal of Ophthalmology has linked smoking to a higher risk of developing dry eye symptoms and worsening blepharitis.
Use a Humidifier: Dry air can increase evaporation, making dry eye worse. A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which helps maintain a healthy tear film and keeps your eyes hydrated. I struggle in Winter especially. Dry heaters are commonly used and wreck havoc on my eyes. If you work in an office this may be difficult, but consider a desk humidifier which can be connected via USB to your computer.

Conclusion: Taking Care of Your Eyes, Naturally

Managing blepharitis and dry eye doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small, everyday changes like improving your eyelid hygiene, adjusting your screen habits, staying hydrated, and using natural products, you can significantly reduce symptoms and maintain comfortable eyes.