11 Home Remedies for Dry Eye by a Dry Eye Specialist

If you're one of the millions dealing with dry eyes—especially in dry, dusty climates like Scottsdale—you’re not alone. While we treat the root cause of dry eye at Innovative EyeCare using advanced therapies like IPL and RF, there are also effective, simple home remedies that can provide real relief. Here are 11 strategies you can try at home to help soothe your eyes and feel more comfortable day to day.

1. Hydration is Key

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your eyes hydrated. Dehydration is a common factor in dry eye issues, so keep a water bottle handy and sip consistently. You might be surprised at how even a small change in your hydration habits can positively impact your eye health.

In addition to water, consider incorporating hydrating foods into your diet. Fruits like cucumbers and oranges provide not only hydration but also essential vitamins that promote overall eye health. Staying mindful of your fluid intake is a simple yet effective way to combat dryness.

Pair that with a humidifier, especially in air-conditioned rooms or dry climates, to reduce evaporation of your tears and maintain a more stable tear film.

2. Warm Compress Benefits

A warm compress is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to help with dry eyes. It works by gently heating your eyelids to melt the thickened oils that can clog your tear glands. For the best results, use a microwaveable or USB-powered eye mask and keep it on for at least 10 minutes. This ensures the heat stays consistent and effective. (Hot washcloths cool off too quickly and usually don’t do the trick.)

After warming, gently massage your eyelids with clean fingers to help move the oils out of the glands. This combo helps clear out trapped oils, keratin, and bacteria that cause irritation and inflammation. It's a simple routine that can ease discomfort and even feel like a mini spa moment for your eyes.

3. Omega-3s (EPA/DHA)

Not all omega-3 supplements are created equal when it comes to treating dry eye. For real results, it's important to choose a high-quality supplement that contains EPA and DHA in triglyceride form, which is better absorbed by the body than cheaper ethyl ester versions. Taking 1,000–2,000 mg daily can help improve meibomian gland function and reduce inflammation in the tear film—but it takes consistency, as results typically appear after 6 to 12 weeks. Low-quality supplements may contain fillers or rancid oils and won’t provide the relief your eyes need.

4. Blinking Exercises

Proper blinking is essential to spread tears evenly and prevent evaporation but screen use often leads to incomplete blinks. WinQ Eyelid Serum by TearRestore supports healthy blinking by delivering targeted hydration and nutrients to the eyelid skin and muscles. It’s formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and niacinamide to reduce puffiness, improve skin elasticity, and encourage stronger blink function.

Pair the serum with blinking exercises:

• Close your eyes fully

• Hold for 2 seconds

• Open slowly and repeat 10 times

Doing this several times a day, especially during long screen sessions helps activate the meibomian glands and restore the tear film.

5. Blink More Often

In our tech-driven world, we often forget to blink regularly. Make a conscious effort to blink more, especially during screen time, to keep your eyes moist. A good rule of thumb is to employ the '20-20-20 rule': every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help refresh your eyes.

Consider setting reminders on your phone or using an app designed to help you remember to blink. It might sound silly, but this little habit can go a long way toward preventing dryness and eye strain.

6. Preservative-Free Artificial Tears + Gel Drops at Night

Choose preservative-free artificial tears to avoid irritation from the preservatives in frequent use. For overnight relief, use gel tears or ointments to seal in moisture while you sleep.

7. Eyelid Hygiene with Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Bacterial buildup around the lashes can block oil glands and trigger inflammation. Daily use of a hypochlorous acid spray on closed eyelids helps keep the lids clean, reduce bacteria, and support healthy tear production.

8. Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil Products

If Demodex mites or inflammation are contributing to your symptoms, look for lid cleansers that contain medical-grade manuka honey or low-concentration tea tree oil. These ingredients help calm the skin, reduce irritation, and target mites that often worsen dry eye.

9.Allergy Control with Antihistamine Eye Drops

Allergies can make dry eye worse by increasing inflammation and tear instability. Use over-the-counter antihistamine drops like Pataday to calm itching, redness, and histamine release.
Keeping allergies under control helps stabilize your tear film and improve comfort.

10. Wear Protective Eyewear

If you're going out in windy or dusty environments, wearing sunglasses can help shield your eyes from irritants that may exacerbate dryness. Opt for wrap-around styles to provide more coverage and reduce the amount of air and debris that irritate your eyes.

Not only are sunglasses fashion statements, but they are an essential part of eye care, especially during outdoor activities. Protecting your eyes from UV rays is a crucial step in ensuring their long-term health and comfort.

11. Stay Away from Smoke and Irritants

Try to avoid smoky or polluted environments. Smoke and chemicals can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, so staying in clean air is beneficial.

Creating a healthy home environment is another step to alleviate dryness. Opt for hypoallergenic cleaners and avoid strong fragrances that can worsen your symptoms. Keeping an eye on your surroundings can significantly impact your comfort.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

Home remedies are great, but if you’re still relying on eye drops multiple times a day with no relief, it’s time to investigate the underlying cause. At Innovative EyeCare, we offer thorough dry eye diagnostics and advanced treatments like IPL and RF to restore meibomian gland function, reduce inflammation, and improve long-term comfort.