Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes

In my 40s, I began experiencing dry eye syndrome (DES)—a frustrating condition that caused irritation, burning, blurred vision, and discomfort. At times, it got so bad that I would go to bed early or take naps simply because keeping my eyes open was too difficult due to the relentless dryness. I didn’t like using artificial tears, as they felt unnatural and only provided temporary relief, so I often chose to rest my eyes instead.After extensive research and personal trial, I discovered that natural remedies were far more effective in managing my dry eyes long-term.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), MaquiBright® (Aristotelia chilensis berry extract), and castor oil have become my go-to tools for improving tear production, eye hydration, and reducing inflammation. These powerful solutions have helped me regain comfort and maintain healthy, well-lubricated eyes, and I want to share how they can help you too.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes occur when the tear film is unbalanced, leading to inadequate lubrication. The tear film consists of three layers:

👁️ Lipid (oil) layer – Prevents tears from evaporating, produced by the meibomian glands.

💧 Aqueous (water) layer – Provides moisture and nutrients, produced by the lacrimal glands.

🧴 Mucin layer – Helps tears spread evenly across the eye surface, produced by goblet cells.

When any of these layers are compromised, it results in chronic dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) for Dry Eyes

What is NAC?

🧪 NAC is a powerful antioxidant and a precursor to glutathione, the body's master detoxifier. It is well known for its ability to thin mucus secretions and has been shown to improve tear stability and meibomian gland function.

How NAC Helps with Dry Eyes

💦 Unclogs meibomian glands, allowing better oil flow and preventing tear evaporation.

🛡️ Protects against oxidative stress, reducing damage to eye tissues.

🧴 Supports mucin production, improving tear adhesion to the eye surface.

🔥 Reduces inflammation, lowering irritation and discomfort.

How to Use NAC

👁️ Dry eye relief and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): 600–1,200 mg per day (split into two doses with meals)

💨 Respiratory health (mucus thinning, COPD, bronchitis): 600–1,200 mg per day (divided into two doses)

🛡️ Liver support and detoxification: 600–1,800 mg per day

🧠 Mental health support (OCD, depression, brain function): 1,200–2,400 mg per day

👁️ NAC eye drops (5%) may help improve tear stability.

MaquiBright® (Aristotelia Chilensis) for Dry Eyes

What is MaquiBright®?

🌿 MaquiBright® is a patented maqui berry extract, rich in anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical studies show that MaquiBright® boosts tear production and protects against oxidative damage.

How MaquiBright® Helps with Dry Eyes

💧 Increases tear production by stimulating the lacrimal glands.

🛡️ Protects against oxidative stress, preserving eye tissues.

🔥 Reduces inflammation, preventing damage to tear glands.

👁️ Improves meibomian gland function, reducing tear evaporation.

How to Use MaquiBright® for Dry Eyes

💊 Take 60 mg per day with food.

🛡️ For antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support: 60–120 mg per day

🫐 Include maqui berries in your diet, such as maqui berry powder in smoothies.

Castor Oil for Dry Eyes

What is Castor Oil?

🌱 Castor oil is a nutrient-rich oil derived from the Ricinus communis plant. It has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties.

How Castor Oil Helps with Dry Eyes

🧴 Restores the lipid layer, preventing tears from evaporating too quickly.

🔥 Reduces inflammation, soothing irritated eyes.

💦 Lubricates the eyes, providing long-lasting moisture.

How to Use Castor Oil for Dry Eyes

🌿 Use organic, cold-pressed castor oil, free of hexane and additives.

👁️ Apply a small drop to the eyelids before bed to allow overnight absorption.

💧 Use preservative-free castor oil eye drops as needed for moisture.

Combining NAC, MaquiBright®, and Castor Oil for Maximum Benefit

Each of these natural remedies targets a different aspect of dry eye syndrome, making them highly effective when used together.

💊 NAC improves tear quality by unclogging meibomian glands and enhancing mucin production.

🫐 MaquiBright® increases tear quantity, hydrating the eyes naturally.

🧴 Castor oil strengthens the lipid layer, preventing rapid tear evaporation.

Suggested Daily Regimen

💊 NAC: Take 600–1,200 mg per day, split into two doses with meals.

🫐 MaquiBright®: Take 60 mg per day, preferably with food.

🧴 Castor Oil: Apply to eyelids at night or use preservative-free castor oil eye drops as needed.

If you struggle with chronic dry eyes, incorporating NAC, MaquiBright®, and castor oil into your routine may provide long-term relief. These natural remedies boost tear production, reduce inflammation, and restore moisture balance, helping you achieve lasting comfort and clearer vision.

By nourishing your eyes from within, you can take control of your eye health naturally.

Possible Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome (DES) can have multiple underlying causes, ranging from age-related changes to environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions. Understanding these potential triggers can help in finding effective, long-term solutions.

🧬 Aging and Hormonal Changes

As we age, our bodies naturally produce fewer tears, leading to chronic dryness. Women, particularly those going through perimenopause or menopause, are at a higher risk due to hormonal fluctuations that affect tear production and composition.

🔥 Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Disorders

Inflammation plays a major role in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and other forms of dry eye disease. Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can damage the lacrimal (tear-producing) glands, significantly reducing tear volume.

📱 Screen Time and Reduced Blinking

Excessive use of computers, smartphones, and tablets reduces blink frequency, which is essential for spreading tears evenly across the eye surface. Infrequent blinking leads to faster tear evaporation and eye strain, worsening dry eye symptoms.

🌬️ Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Dry, windy, or smoky environments can accelerate tear evaporation, making symptoms worse. Air conditioning, heating systems, and fans can also strip moisture from the eyes. People who spend long hours in climate-controlled offices or airplanes may experience more severe dryness.

💊 Medications That Reduce Tear Production

Certain medications can interfere with the body’s ability to produce tears, including:

• Antihistamines and decongestants (for allergies and colds)
• Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
• Blood pressure medications (beta-blockers and diuretics)
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills

🥦 Nutritional Deficiencies

A diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and antioxidants can negatively affect tear production. Omega-3s help maintain the oil layer of the tear film, reducing tear evaporation and inflammation.

🚬 Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking introduces toxins that irritate the eyes and damage tear glands, while excessive alcohol intake dehydrates the body, leading to dryness and discomfort in the eyes.

😴 Poor Sleep and Chronic Fatigue

Lack of quality sleep can lead to increased inflammation and reduced tear production, making dry eye symptoms worse. Sleep deprivation also contributes to eye strain, puffiness, and irritation.

Understanding these possible causes of dry eye syndrome is key to addressing the root issue, rather than just treating symptoms. In my case, I discovered that my dry eyes were connected to my hypothyroidism, which I am also managing by avoiding goitrogens and supplementing with high-dose iodine to support proper thyroid function. By making targeted lifestyle changes, improving nutrition, and using natural remedies, I’ve been able to effectively manage both my thyroid health and dry eye symptoms, leading to lasting relief.