Our eyes are the windows to the world. However, they are undoubtedly vulnerable. Any irritation like tiny undisruptive dust can make them feel impaired.
Sore eyes, also known as pinkeye or viral conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that affects people of all ages. It is contagious and usually gives your eye a pinkish or reddish appearance. It can be caused by multiple factors including:
- Sun exposure
- Excessive eye rubbing
- Eye infections
- Incorrect eyeglass lenses
- Contact lenses
- Exposure to airborne irritants
- Overexposure to smartphone, laptop, or TV screens
- Viral infection such as the cold
- Eye dryness
So, is there a way you can find relief from sore eyes?
Absolutely!
Here are eight effective home remedies for your sore eyes from ophthalmologists:
1. Cold Water
Splash your eyes with cold water. Alternatively, wrap ice cubes in a soft towel and place it on your eyes. Repeat this daily until the soreness disappears.
2. Cucumber
Cucumber has some cooling effect on our bodies, your eyes included. It’ll not only lessen the soreness but also refresh your eyes. Simply cut the cucumber into slices and put them in cold water or ice for about ten minutes. Then place them on your eyelids.
3. Cold Spoons
A chilled metal spoon will act as a cooling compress that will constrict the blood vessels, thereby reducing the redness and puffiness around the eye area.
Place 3 or 4 spoons in a glass of ice water or in a fridge until they are chilled. Apply one of them on the affected eye. Switch it up with another colder spoon when it gets warm.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the most easily available foods at home. The antimicrobial property found in potatoes lightens darkness around the eyes and soothes the irritated skin.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known to have tremendous healing and soothing properties. It contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that provide an extremely relaxing effect on the eyes. Soak a clean piece of cloth in fresh, organic Aloe Vera gel and wipe your eyes with it.
6. Honey and Milk
Honey is an effective natural home remedy for treating sore eyes, especially when combined with warm milk. Simply make a smooth mixture by adding the same amount of honey and milk in a bowl, and then use soft cotton balls or cloth to gently compress the mixture against your sore eyes.
7. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a common ingredient found in many eye drop bottles. It’s also one of the best home remedies for pinkeye. Apply 1-2 drops in each affected eye with a dropper, several times a day. Castor oil also provides quick relief from eye itchiness.
8. Wearing the Right Eyeglass Lenses
Did you know that even wearing incorrect eyeglass lenses may contribute to developing sore eyes? One would think that eyeglasses actually protect your eyes from dust and allergens but at the same time wearing the wrong lenses may end up in headaches, dizziness, blurry vision etc. This leads to your eyes getting more prone to various conditions, such as conjunctivitis. So, if you often suffer from sore eyes, it’s recommended to also double check your optical prescription and opt for replacement lenses if necessary in order to make developing the disease less likely.
Above are great home remedies and tricks for treating the pinkeye. But we recommend consulting a health care professional before starting any medication, trying a home remedy or in case you experience any side effects.
