Affiliate Disclaimer
Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we find useful to our readers
Dry eyes can be a quite irritating condition to bear. The constant itching, redness and prevalent dryness around the eyes make it harder to not just stare along but also impacts the level of vision. Using castor oil for dry eyes can effective cure the condition and help in getting rid of the symptoms associated.
The beneficial properties of the castor oil help in getting rid of the condition. Not only does it help hydrate and moisturize the eyes, it also does help in getting rid of the accessory symptoms.
In this article, we are going to be discussing the benefits of using castor oil for dry eyes.
What Are Dry Eyes?
Dry eye is a condition that is characterized by the improper functioning of the tear glands in the eyes. When the natural process of tear formation is affected by any kind of factors, it ends up preventing the eyes from having the normal moisturisation that it should have for a proper functional vision.
When the eyes are not properly hydrated and moisturized, chances are that they will not just feel dry but cause irritation and redness around the perimeter of the eyes which is what one feels when they suffer from dry eyes.
What are the Causes of Dry Eyes?
While the pivotal cause is believed to be the dysfunctional tear glands, there could be some other accessory and underlying causes behind the induction of dry eyes in an individual.
Some of the common causes behind dry eyes include:
- Dysfunctional tear glands
- Prolonged exposure to dry and cold weather conditions
- Not blinking for an extended period of time
- Allergic reactions
- Wearing contact lens for an extended period of time
- Been exposed to a computer screen for extended periods of time
- Health ailments like hypothyroidism etc.
How Effective is Castor Oil for Dry Eyes?
As mentioned before, the condition of dry eyes is predominantly showcased by the heightened appearance of redness and irritation in the eyes. If you are aware of the beneficial benefits of castor oil for dry eyes, you would know that it has a multifaceted approach in healing the condition.
Castor oil is loaded with beneficial nutrients. The same actually helps in getting rid of a condition and even prevents it from returning.
But, the question comes down to one – how is the castor oil remedy for dry eyes effective?
1. Anti-inflammatory properties
Castor Oil is loaded with beneficial compounds like the ricinoleic acid (R) which has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most common symptoms of dry eyes is the prevalent inflammation around the eyes which is caused because of the constant rubbing and itching of the eye to relieve the symptoms.
2. Moisturizes and lubricates
Apart from helping relieve the symptoms of itching and pain, the administration of the castor oil also helps in lubricating the eyes and moisturizing them from within. This helps in retracting the activity of the tear glands thus helps combat the dryness in the eyes.
What Kind of Castor Oil is Good for Dry Eyes?
When it comes to using castor oil for dry eyes, it is quite beneficial to ensure that you apply the best kind of oil for the best results. Any kind of impurity in the oil can actually end up causing negative implications for the vision, ending up making the condition worse than good.
If you have been wondering what kind of castor oil is the best when it comes to application to the eyes, the raw and first press oil is the best of the lot.
Ensure that the castor oil you are sourcing is pure and doesn’t contain any kind of additive or impurity because you are going to directly apply the same to your eyes. Be very cautious of the brands you are purchasing. It is always best suggested to go through the reviews to avoid any kind of accidents.
How to Use Castor Oil for Dry Eyes?
The process to treat dry eyes with castor oil is not rocket science and is actually quite easy to achieve. Using castor oil for dry eyes can be critical at times if you don’t know how to do that effectively. In this section, we are going to be discussing a few ways in which one can experience the benefits of using castor oil for dry eyes.
1. Castor Oil on its own
The very first way in which one can use castor oil is on its own. As mentioned before, castor oil is loaded with beneficial ricinoleic acid which helps in getting rid of the condition of dry eyes effectively.
What to do?
- Using a clean dropper, pour 1-2 drops of pure castor oil into your eyes
- Close your eyes and keep it so for 10 minutes
- If it starts irritating, wash it off immediately
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
2. Castor Oil eye drops
As mentioned before, it is very important to ensure the purity of the eye drops. If you can’t get your hands on the pure castor oil, it is beneficial to ensure that you switch to the castor oil eye drops (R). These eye drops are readily available in the drug stores and have similar kind of impacts in getting rid of the condition of the dry eyes.
What to do?
- Pour 1-2 drops of the castor oil eye drops into your eyes
- Ensure to keep your eyes closed for 5 minutes
- In case of irritation, wash your face and eyes with water thoroughly
How often?
- 2-3 times daily till the symptoms subside
3. Castor Oil and Coconut Oil
Often times, many people prefer using castor oil mixed with any form of carrier oil to smoothen out its consistency. Mixing castor oil with coconut oil actually does help in getting rid of the dryness and rather aids in lubricating the eyes and getting rid of the symptoms of itchiness and redness around the eyes.
The addition of coconut oil not just helps thin out the consistency of the mixture but also imposes beneficial impacts in inflicting the benefits of castor oil for dry eyes. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties aids in keeping any form of inflammation and infection at bay.
What to do?
- To 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, add ½ teaspoon of castor oil and mix
- Using a clean dropper, pour 1-2 drops of the oil mixture into your eyes
- If you find any kind of irritation, ensure to wash it out immediately
How often?
- 1-2 times daily
The usage of castor oil for dry eyes has been in practice for quite some time now. Owing to the beneficial impacts and the benefits of castor oil for dry eyes, it is often believed to be an effective remedy that not just helps get rid of the condition but also helps prevent it for good. If you have been witnessing itchiness and irritation around your eyes, make sure to use castor oil to get rid of the condition for good.
