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What Are Sore Eyes?
Eyes are very important organs in our body. They are windows to the world around, but also highly vulnerable to a number of factors, such as the sunlight, dust, etc. Sore eyes are defined as the condition in which our eyes are irritated, causing our eyes to cope up with the difficulty of seeing. The eyes might feel as if there is a foreign object inside them, or they might feel heavy, tired, and hard to keep open.
What Are Common Causes Of Sore Eyes?
Almost everybody has suffered from sore eyes at some point in their lives. Sometimes, they heal on their own, but they could also be a warning sign of something much more serious. As we all know, sore eyes are due to some kinds of infection or caused by an allergic reaction. More specifically, sore eyes are caused by many factors, including being exposed to sunlight, being infected, eye rubbing, being invaded by dust, being irritating to contact lenses, or frequently watching TV or using computer. In addition, the dry eyes or using low quality eye cosmetics can contribute to causing sore eyes. Inflammation caused by infections or allergies frequently results in sore eyes. They might affect just the eyes or might be systemic, such as the common cold or hay fever.
What Are Signs And Symptoms Of Sore Eyes?
Sore eyes can be considered as one of the most uncomfortable health issues because of the associated annoying symptoms below:
- Your eyes become red.
- The eyes are swollen and burning.
- You feel scared of sunlight.
- It is so difficult to open your eyes after you get up.
- There is watery release.
- You may catch a runny nose.
- Your throat can be sore.
Sometimes, there are symptoms that might indicate a serious condition. Sore eyes might happen with other symptoms like:
- Bleeding from eyes
- Tight, red, purple or swollen eyelids
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- High fever
- Eye pain, sudden changes in eye vision, or loss of vision
Seek instant medical care if your sore eye signs and symptoms are persistent or get worse over time.
If you are going through the uncomfortable time due to sore eyes, our article “19 Home Remedies For Sore Eyes In Infants, Children And Adults” will suggest you some natural home remedies which are very effective in treating your sore eyes. Take a look at TrueRemedies.com. However, keep in mind that you must go to see your doctor if your condition becomes more severed.
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Top 19 Effective Home Remedies For Sore Eyes In Infants, Children And Adults
1. Ice Pack Application
This may be the first aid for sore eye irritation. It is not surprising if ice pack is considered as the top home remedies for sore eyes because of its wonderful effective in reducing inflammation and sore due to sore eyes. Thanks to the cold ice pack, the irritation and soreness of eyes are reduced, thereby alleviating burning sensation. Those people with mild symptoms of sore eyes might find that they completely relieve after applying a compress. Especially, using cold tea bag will bring a surprising effect on healing your sore eyes because of its inflammatory property [1].
Here are some suggestions for you on applying the coldness for curing your sore eyes:
Method 1:
- Put some kinds of vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. in a freezer for about 5 minutes.
- Then, remove them from the freezer.
- Put them in a clean towel.
- Wrap them and place the towel on your sore eyes.
- Apply the ice towel on your sore eyes for a few minutes.
- Do this process twice every day.
Method 2:
- Prepare a clean towel.
- Soak the towel in a glass of cold water.
- Place the towel on your sore eyes for several minutes.
- Do this method twice every day.
Method 3:
- Utilize a tea bag which is used.
- Put it in a fridge for about 5 minutes.
- Now, put the bag on your sore eyes.
Method 4:
- Take some ice cubes.
- Put them in a clean towel.
- Fold the towel.
- Then, put the cold towel on your sore eyes.
- Let it stay on for about 10 minutes.
- Do this process twice every day.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
If aloe vera is available in your garden, don’t hesitate to take some leaves for treating your discomfort due to sore eyes. Aloe vera is known as a wonderfully natural healing ingredient. It helps to soothe your sore eyes, giving a hand in relaxing the soreness for your eyes. Plus, owning its antioxidants and antimicrobial powers, it can combat against the factors causing your sore eyes. Extracted from the aloe vera plant, it has 18 amino acids working together to soothe and heal irritated skin around eyes. Fact is, this plant is usually used under eyes as a natural remedy for wrinkles and dryness. It has essential vitamins as well as minerals that help work against damage of free radicals that might cause wrinkling [2].
All you need to do is:
Method 1:
- Wash some leaves of aloe vera.
- Now use a knife to extract the gel.
- Pour the gel in a glass.
- Add some cold water to dilute it.
- Dip a pair of cotton balls in the cold water.
- Then, put the balls on your eyelids for about 15 minutes.
- Apply this process twice every day.
Method 2:
- Apply the gel over your eyelids.
- Let it stay on for about 20 minutes.
- Then, wash the gel off with clean water.
- Apply this method twice every day.
3. Rose Water
Rose water is not only a good ingredient for skin care but also a useful remedy for combating against a number of eye-related problems. Rose water can give a great contribution to eliminate your eye soreness. Rose water has its analgesic power, helping to alleviate the swelling due to the soreness in your eyes [3]. Another benefit of rose water for your eyes is that rose water strengthens health of your eyes. Extracts of rose water is commonly applied in Ayurvedic medicine as an effective solution for the infection as well as allergies of the eyes.
Following the step below, your sore eyes will be eliminated soon:
Method 1:
- Prepare some rose water in a cup.
- Put it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Dip a clean cotton ball into the rose water.
- Then, remove the cotton out of the cup and squeeze excessive water.
- Place the cotton on your sore eyes for about 10 minutes.
- Apply this process thrice every day.
Method 2:
- Add some rose water in a dropper.
- Pour about 2 drops of the water in the sore eyes.
- Close your eyes for several minutes.
- Spend time for your eyes to relax.
4. Castor Oil
Castor oil is also very useful to treat sore eyes. This oil has the power of soothing the soreness in your eyes as well as alleviating the irritation. Additionally, owing its antimicrobial property, this oil works so well to eliminate the agent causing your sore eyes. Castor oil has powerful fatty acids (recinoleic acid) as well as other antioxidants that could benefit your eyes. Another benefit of castor oil for sore eyes is that the oil contributes to treating the dryness of the eyes which is one of the reasons why your eyes are sore. You should choose cold pressed castor oil as it involves pressing organic seeds without causing heat [4] [5].
Here is the guide on how to use castor oil for healing your sore eyes:
- Pour some castor oil in a dropper.
- Pour each eye with a drop of the oil.
- Let it stay overnight.
- Do this method every night.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from the process of crushing and squeezing the liquid out of fresh apples, then adding good bacteria and yeast to it to let the liquid ferment. While people mostly use this ingredient to make things like marinades and chutneys, salad dressings, it is also commonly used to cure skin infections. It consists of the malic acid which is so effective in combating against bacteria causing the sore eyes [6].
All you need to do to utilize apple cider vinegar as one of the good home remedies for sore eyes is:
- Pour 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a bowl
- Add 2 tablespoons of clean water into
- Soak a clean cotton ball in the mixture.
- Then, put it on your sore eyelids for about 15 minutes.
- Apply this remedy twice every day.
6. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are the next option for treating sore eyes due to their cooling effect. They help alleviate sore eyes and reduce irritation significantly. In addition, if you are suffering from puffy eyes, cucumbers are one of the ingredients to not miss out. Containing up to 95% water, cucumbers act as a natural moisturizer for skin and revitalize the skin around your eyes. The potassium and vitamin E content also reduce wrinkles and fine lines, decrease blemishes and other signs of aging. Its mild skin lightening effect also helps with dark circles under eyes. Besides, thanks to caffeic acid and ascorbic acid, cucumbers can bring down water retention in eyes, thereby reducing puffiness and swelling around eyes [7].
Simply following the steps below, you will own one of the effective home remedies for sore eyes:
Method 1:
- Wash a cucumber thoroughly
- Chop it into thin slices.
- Now, put the slices in a glass of cold water.
- Keep them stay there for a few minutes.
- Remove them out of the cold water.
- Put the slices on your sore eyes for about 15 minutes.
- Apply this method twice every day.
Method 2:
- Take ½ cup of rose water.
- Pour them in a bowl.
- Wash a cucumber thoroughly and chop it into thin slices.
- Dip some slices into the rose water.
- Remove the slices and put them over your eyelids.
- Do this regularly.
7. Honey And Milk
It cannot be denied that h is one of the best ingredients to treat infections. It has the same effects on sore eyes as well as the infections in the eyes. In addition, some warm milk can alleviate the inflammation and the irritation due to the sore eyes significantly [8].
Here is the way on how to prepare the mixture of milk and honey for eliminating the soreness in the eyes:
- Pour some milk in a cup.
- Add some drops of raw honey to the cup and mix them well.
- Pour the mixture in a dropper.
- Drop a few drops of the mixture on your sore eyes.
- Close the eyes for a few minutes.
- Now, use clean water to wash your eyes.
- Do this process twice every day.
8. Potatoes
It is not difficult to find potatoes in your kitchen. It is a type of familiar vegetables for most households. Owning the antimicrobial property, potatoes are one of the wonderful ingredients to treat eye inflammation. In addition, potatoes help not only to alleviate the irritation but also to whiten dark spots around your eyes [9].
Here is all what you need to do:
- Take a potato to peel, chop and grate it
- Extract its juice.
- Put a cotton ball in the juice.
- Then, apply the ball on your sore eyes for about 10 minutes.
- Apply this method every night.
9. Baking Soda
If you are finding the natural ways to get rid of the soreness in your eyes, you should try baking soda. It will bring you a big surprise. Baking soda helps to remove dust and bacteria in your eyes, helping your sore eyes to recover from the uncomfortable issue quickly. Furthermore, being a natural antiseptic, baking soda is so effective in eliminating microbes which cause your eyes to be infectious [10].
Let follow the instruction below to use such a simple ingredient to combat against sore eyes:
- Pour a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup.
- Add some water to the cup.
- Then, place your sore eyes over the cup while your eyes are open.
- Let your eyes to roll around for a few minutes.
- Wash your eyes with clean water.
- Do this process once every day to improve your sore eyes.
10. Coriander Leaves
Coriander leaves are often used to treat eye-related problems, including the sore and infected eyes. Thanks to the astringent power, coriander leaves work well to reduce the infection as well as discomfort caused by the soreness in your eyes.
Here is the instruction on how to prepare coriander leaves for saving yourselves from sore eyes:
- Wash some coriander leaves.
- Put them in a blender to blend and extract its juice.
- Pour the juice in an eye dropper.
- Pour a drop of the juice in each eye.
- Repeat the process 2 times every day.
11. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has a number of benefits to infection. It helps to reduce sore eyes thanks to its antimicrobial power [11]. It is really effective if your sore eyes are caused because of tiredness.
Follow the easy steps below to treat your sore eyes:
- Put a teaspoon of Epsom salt and half a cup of hot water to a glass.
- Stir the mixture well to dissolve the salt.
- Now, wait for some few minutes to let the water to be warm.
- Dip a cotton ball into the mixture.
- Put it over your sore eyes.
- Let it stay on for about 10 minutes.
- Wash your sore eyes with clean and cool water.
- Do this method twice every day.
12. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are regarded as one of the best home remedies for sore eyes. It is because firstly the leaves contain antimicrobial power as well as anti-inflammation, helping your sore eyes to combat against the inflammation and irritation. Secondly, playing the role of a natural analgesic, the swelling and pain in your sore eyes are reduced quickly [12].
The instruction on how to prepare guava leaves for treating sore eyes is mentioned below:
- Wash some guava leaves carefully.
- Put them in a pot filled with water.
- Boil them.
- Soak the towel in some water to dampen it.
- Put the leaves in the towel and fold it
- Now, put it over your sore eyes for about 10 minutes.
- Do this application once every day.
13. Calamansi
Calamansi or a Philippines lime is another option among home remedies for sore eyes in children and adults. Similar to most citrus fruits, calamansi contains a great quantity of citric acid which helps to eliminate microbes. Therefore, it works well to reduce the infection as well as the soreness in your eyes.
Here is the guide for you:
- Take a calamansi to extract its juice.
- Pour a few drops of the juice in a cup.
- Add a little warm water to dilute the juice.
- Pour two drops of the juice in your sore eyes.
- Let your eyes roll several times.
- Then, wash your eyes with clean water.
- Repeat the method once every day.
14. Turmeric
Turmeric has long been widely known for its health benefits, recognized in the alternative and medical community for its ability of reducing inflammation in the body. As inflammation might impact the eyesight, turmeric can help with your eye health. Having anti-microbial power, turmeric can give a hand in treating your eyes infection. In addition, owning anti-inflammation, healing compounds as well as antioxidants, turmeric helps to alleviate the swelling of your eyes. Researchers found that an active ingredient in turmeric named curcumin might successfully handle some forms of eye diseases caused by inflammation.
The guiding on how to utilize turmeric is shown below:
- Pour some water in a pot and heat the pot.
- Pour the warm water in a glass.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the glass.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Pour a drop of the mixture in your sore eyes.
- Do this process twice every day.
15. Chamomile
If you are a lover of chamomile tea, it is so interesting to use chamomile for both drinking and curing your eye problems. It has been used for thousands of years for various medicinal purposes, like sleep disorders, anxiety, skin inflammation, wound healing and diaper rash. People in the U.S might be most familiar with this plant as an ingredients in their herbal teas. Possessing its anti-allergenic properties, chamomile tea can make a great contribution to reducing the soreness in your eyes. It gives a hand in preventing histamine to release, limiting the risk of allergic reactions for your eyes. Additionally, this daisy-like flower also helps relax your tired eyes, shortening the recovery process [13].
The steps you have to do are very simple:
Method 1:
- Take a tea bag of chamomile.
- Put them in a glass filled with hot water.
- Let it steep for a few minutes.
- Take the bag out of the glass.
- Allow the tea to cool down naturally.
- Wash your sore eyes with the tea thrice every day.
Method 2:
- Take a tea bag of chamomile which is used.
- Put it in a fridge for about 5 minutes.
- Place the cold tea bag on your eyes when your eyes close.
- Let it stay on for about 15 minutes.
- Apply this process thrice every day until your condition is improved.
Caution: Sometimes, contacting with chamomile can result in allergic reaction if you are allergic to the plants in the same family like daisies, marigolds, ragweed, chrysanthemums, etc.
16. Neem Oil
Neem oil can ease irritated skin due to its soothing property. Also, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds in neem oil can relieve sore eye and conjunctivitis symptoms. Wipe the oil around eye and eyelid prior to hitting the hay to treat sore eyes [14].
17. Colloidal Silver
Among benefits of colloidal silver, its prompt property against eye infection is noticeable. If applied on infected eyes, tiny silver colloids can pick up infected cells by attracting them and sending them into bloodstream to be eradicated.
This plant is not like prescribed antibiotics that are just able to deal with specific classes of bacteria and fungus, colloidal silver is efficient no matter what cause the infection [15].
18. Green Tea
Green tea is also listed as one of the good home remedies for sore eyes in infants, children and adults because its effect is as the same as that of chamomile tea. Using green tea helps to alleviate itchy eyes as well as reduce the inflammation due to sore eyes. Plus, it contributes to eliminating viruses as well as bacteria causing your eyes to be infected [16]
Green tea can be used in some different ways to fighting the soreness in your eyes:
Method 1:
- Boil some water in a pot
- Put 2 bags of green tea in the boiled water.
- Let them to be steeped for several minutes.
- Then, take the tea bags out of the pot to let them cool down
- Use the tea to wash your sore eyes.
- Do this remedy twice every day.
Method 2:
- Put a bag of green tea in a fridge for 5 minutes.
- Place the cold bag over your eyes.
- Let it stay on for a few minutes.
- Apply this method several times every day.
19. Elderberry Blossom, Aloe Vera Gel And Honey
As mentioned above, aloe vera is a natural way for treating sore eyes. In this tip, you can combine aloe vera gel with elderberry blossom and raw honey to treat your sore eyes. This method will bring you a surprising result. With the properties of anti-inflammation and combating against bacteria, honey helps to eliminate bacteria causing sore eyes as well as reduce the inflammation. In addition, elderberry blossom plays a role of an antioxidant. This combination is so wonderful remedy for the soreness of your eyes.
Here is the instruction on how to combine these ingredients for treating your sore eyes:
- Wash some leaves of aloe vera.
- Use a knife to slit them open and extract the gel.
- Add about 3 teaspoons of the gel in a bowl.
- Add a tablespoon of raw honey into
- Now, pour ½ cup of elderberry blossom tea in the bowl.
- Mix all well.
- Use the mixture to rinse your sore eyes.
- Do this remedy twice every day.
- Continue doing this for some consecutive days.
Home Remedies For Sore Eyes – Preventative Tips
In any cases, prevention is much better than treatment. If you pay attention to protecting your eyes from external factors, such as dust, sunlight, pollen, etc. causing your eyes to be infected, you don’t have to worry about the risk of catching sore eyes. Here are some protection ways for you:
- Wear Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses when going out can help you to protect your eyes from dust, sunlight which can cause your eyes to be infected as well as allergic.
- Intake Plenty Of Water
If your eyes are dry frequently, they can easily become sore and infected. Therefore, keeping your eyes hydrated is very important. It is a good idea to consume about 8 glasses of water, which helps not only to prevent you from catching sore eyes but also from a number of health issues.
- Keep Your Eyes Clean
Regardless of what kind of home remedies for sore eyes you choose to manage your problem, it is still vital to keep your eyes clean. This will help prevent viral and bacterial cross-contamination and inflammation.
- Plan A Proper Diet
Providing necessary nutrients which are good for your eyes, especially the food containing vitamin A and C, is one of the ways to prevent your eyes from being sore.
As you can see, our article is the summary of some of powerful home remedies for sore eyes that you can simply apply at home. You can try out any one of them or combine them, which surely help you go a long way in treating eye soreness.
If there are any concerns about the remedies mentioned in our article of “19 Home Remedies For Sore Eyes In Infants, Toddlers & Adults” introduced in Home Remedies Category, feel free to leave your comments and questions under this article. We will try to give the feedback to you as soon as possible.