Eye health resources

Are there things I can do at home to help with dry eye?

Learn the difference between dry eye disease and dry eye symptoms, discover ways to help relieve symptoms of dry eye at home, and learn why it’s important to see your eye doctor if your symptoms are persistent or severe.

Medically reviewed on September 23, 2025

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Published on February 10, 2026

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6 minute read time

To treat the dryness, understand the cause

Put simply, dry eye disease (DED) and occasional dryness symptoms are two different conditions with different causes. DED is a chronic disease where your eyes either don’t make enough tears or the tears aren’t stable enough. Occasional dryness symptoms are temporary and usually have an environmental cause, like low humidity or too much screen time. With that in mind, before discussing at-home treatments, it’s important to recognize that dry eye isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Knowing the underlying cause of your symptoms can help determine which home treatment might provide the most relief, so see an eye doctor for professional guidance. Occasional dryness may often be helped with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, but DED may require a treatment plan that includes medication prescribed by an eye doctor.

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6 things you can do at home that may help to relieve dry eye symptoms

There are some steps you can take that may help relieve your symptoms. Remember, these are not cures—they are just temporary relief. Persistent dry eye symptoms should always be evaluated by a professional.

1. Try artificial tears

Artificial tears typically have lubricants that mimic the natural tears on the eye, helping you maintain the hydration of your eyes. When you’re shopping for artificial tears, the labels you see may say:

Relieves dry eyes
Relieves irritation
Lubricated or lubricant

It’s important to note that not all artificial tears are safe to use with contacts. If you wear contacts, look for the wording on the label “For use with contact lenses” or “Safe for use with contact lenses”. There’s a huge variety of ingredients in artificial tears, so if you aren’t sure, it’s best to ask your eye doctor for recommendations that will meet the needs of your eyes.

2. Use warm compresses

A warm compress can help open clogged oil glands along your eyelids, which are essential for keeping tears from evaporating too quickly. This can temporarily improve tear quality and soothe discomfort, but it may not provide a permanent fix for the underlying cause of dry eye. Try these steps:

Purchase a heat mask or make a warm cloth.
Leave it on your closed eyelids for about 10 minutes.
Do this once or twice a day for relief.

3. Practice good eyelid hygiene

Gently cleansing your eyelids can reduce bacteria and inflammation, which are common culprits in dry eye.

Use eyelid scrubs formulated for this purpose.
Gently scrub along the lash line to remove debris and excess oils.

4. Humidify your environment

Dry indoor air can worsen dry eye symptoms, especially during winter or in air-conditioned spaces. To help combat this, use a humidifier in your bedroom or workspace.

5. Blink more and take breaks

Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, which can allow tears to evaporate more quickly than normal. To counteract this:

Make a conscious effort to blink more often.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Take regular breaks from reading or computer work.

6. Eat an eye-healthy diet

Research suggests that omega-3 supplements can reduce inflammation and enhance tear production. To try this, add omega-3 rich foods like fish, flaxseed, or walnuts to your diet.

Talk to your eye doctor to see if they think you could benefit from taking a high-quality omega-3 supplement.

6 ways to help prevent or manage dry eye symptoms

1. Manage your environment

Use high-quality air filters and humidifiers at home, especially in cities with high air pollution or dry climates. Try to avoid cigarette smoke and secondhand exposure, as smoke irritates dry eyes.

2. Give your eyes a break

Blink often, and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

3. Try artificial tears

Use artificial tears recommended by your eye doctor to lubricate your eyes as needed.

4. Maintain eyelid hygiene

Gently clean your eyelids regularly with warm water and soap, and apply warm compresses to help release oil from eyelid glands.

5. Limit exposure to things that speed up eye dryness

Fans, hair dryers, and air conditioning can all dry out your eyes. Sunglasses can help shield your eyes outdoors during windy conditions.

6. Follow your contact lens instructions for use

Keep up with good hygiene habits and make sure to strictly follow your lens replacement schedule.

Struggling with dry eyes? Contact your eye doctor.

If you experience eye dryness regularly and find that it’s disrupting your life, it’s time to see an eye doctor. They can evaluate your eyes, determine the cause, and come up with a treatment plan.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How can I get rid of dry eyes?

The home remedies discussed above may relieve symptoms temporarily, but addressing the underlying cause with your eye doctor is key to a lasting solution.

What’s the best home remedy for dry eyes?

The “best” treatment depends on the cause of your dry eye symptoms. Once the cause is determined, your eye doctor may recommend one or more of the “home remedies” above and may combine this with other treatments.

Can diet help cure dry eyes?

While there’s no “cure” for dry eye disease, you may be able to help relieve some symptoms with certain supplements or diet changes. Evidence so far is inconclusive, but ensuring you get enough vitamins and essential fatty acids may help support good eye health.

Diet and dry eye

How to cure dry eyes naturally?

There is no "cure" for dry eye disease, but you may be able to alleviate symptoms with a combination of environmental adjustments like using a humidifier, blinking more, and eating an eye-healthy diet. You should consult your eye care professional for a personalized treatment plan.

Is there a natural cure for dry eyes?

No—home remedies can support eye health, but persistent or severe dry eye should be evaluated and treated by a professional.

How long does it take to see improvement?

Depending on the cause of the dryness symptoms and the treatment used, relief can sometimes be felt immediately, or within a few days, but relief may be temporary and dry eye disease may require ongoing management.

When should I see a doctor for dry eyes?

If symptoms are persistent, severe, or come with pain or vision changes, see an eye care professional immediately to have a dry eye disease evaluation.