Last updated on October 21st, 2025 at 12:26 pm
Dry, itchy eyes can be a major discomfort, especially in the dry heat of the summer. We know we are not supposed to scratch or rub them, but when it hurts just to open them, we need something more than just willpower. Dry eyes can be caused by several factors such as aging, side effects of medications, and certain environmental conditions. Lack of tears may also be a cause. Tears are a combination of water (for moisture), oils (for lubrication), mucus (for even spreading), and antibodies and special proteins (for resistance to infection). When this combination is unbalanced, dry eyes are inevitable. So here are some helpful tips from the Mayo Clinic on how to prevent dry eyes:
- Avoid blowing air in your eyes. Don’t direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward your eyes.
- Wear glasses on windy days and goggles while swimming. The wraparound style of glasses can help reduce the effects of the wind. Goggles protect your eyes from chemicals in pool water that can also dry your eyes.
- Add moisture to the air. In winter, a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air.
- Consider eyeglass shields to protect your eyes. Safety shields can be added to the tops and sides of eyeglasses to block wind and dry air from reaching your eyes.
- Take eye breaks during long tasks. If you’re reading or doing another task that requires visual concentration, take periodic eye breaks. Close your eyes for a few minutes. Or blink repeatedly for a few seconds to help spread your tears evenly over your eye.
- Position your computer screen below eye level. If your computer screen is above eye level, you’ll open your eyes wider to view the screen. If it’s below eye level, you won’t open your eyes as wide. This may help slow the evaporation of your tears between eye blinks.
- Stop smoking and avoid smoke. If you smoke, stop. If you don’t smoke, stay away from people who do. Smoke can worsen dry eye symptoms.
If you have any helpful hints of your own on how you can avoid drying out your eyes, let us know by leaving a comment below.
*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
12 thoughts on “Don’t Let Dry Eyes Stop You from Seeing the World”
Wondering if you can suggest a homeopathic internal pill for dry eyes. I have Blepharitis OU, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca OD, and Allergic Conjunctivitis OD. The main problem is dry eye and eyelashes are falling out. I have followed all instructions from Dr. and still the problem persists. I love homeopathic remedies and wonder if there is one out there that can help with dry eyes. I hate using liquid refresh drops all the time. Thank you so much,
Paula
Hi Paula, our Optique 1 eye drops are designed to relieve dry, red and itchy eyes from allergies, computer work, and other irritants. If you’re not wanting to use drops anymore, there are homeopathic single medicines (called pellets) that you can take under the tongue for relief. Apis mellifica is often used for swollen, itchy eyelids and Histaminum hydrochloricum can address underlying allergy symptoms. But a practitioner skilled in homeopathy will be able to come up with a treatment plan of medicines and dosages for you, taking into consideration your different eye conditions and symptoms. You can find one in your area by contacting the National Center for Homeopathy at (856) 437- 4752 or visit http://www.homeopathycenter.org.
Can I give apis mellifica to 1 year old goldendoodle dog 70 lbs that is itching from flea bites?
Hi Carolyn, since the pathologies and symptoms are different between humans and animals, we recommend consulting a veterinarian skilled in homeopathy. For a list of practitioners in your area, please contact the National Center for Homeopathy at info@homeopathycenter.org or visit http://www.homeopathycenter.org.
I have Sjogrens Syndrome. This battle of dryness i. My glands has overtaken my life. I have tried every drop out here it seems. I have to keep my eyes lubricants all day long. Without such it gets to start burn, scratch, a heaviness overcomes me to the point it has changed my entire lifestyle. Having to take also glaucoma drops daily increases the need to keep eyes moist. I happen to find in Whole Foods this one box of Optiquel 1 read it snd bought this. It seems to be a life changer for me. I have used these drops three times in 24 hours and my eyes are moisturizer, not heavy even when using medication. I hope they keep working but for now I will take this snd tun. It’s preservative free which I require and the ingredients seems not harmful to my very sensitive eyes. So please try this. Especially when all else fails or you just want relief.
Will look up doctors and other treatments that may work. Conventional medication alters every biological aspect within the human body . I need another way in which yo manage my inner workings. 😆
Hi Phyllis, so glad you were able to find eye irritation relief with Optique. If you are using other eye drop medications, it’s a good idea to wait 15 minutes between each one, so that it properly absorbs and doesn’t get flushed out. Feel free to call us at 1-800-BOIRON-1 if you have any questions or need further assistance.
With so many eye drops taken off shelves are things going to change soon? I have gone thru all of my supply of Optique 1 eye drops, now what should I do?
Michele
Hi Michele,
Boiron currently has no plans to reformulate, repackage/rename, or in general relaunch Optique 1 or offer another eye drop product in the U.S.
For relief for your eyes, we recommend exploring our single medicines that have the same active ingredients as those in Optique 1. The medicines that were in Optique are Calcarea fluorica 10X, which relieves eyestrain and fatigue characterized by flickering light, Calendula officinalis 4X, which relieves eye dryness associated with smoke or other airborne irritants, Cineraria maritima 6C, which soothes sensitivity to light and glare, Euphrasia officinalis 4X, which relieves burning, irritated eyes, Kali muriaticum 10X, which alleviates a gritty sensation, Magnesia carbonica 10X, which relieves sharp and brief eye irritation associated with eye fatigue, and Silicea 10X, which relieves tired eyes. You can also use the Boiron Medicine Finder to find more medicines for your symptoms.
Thanks!
Will your company be contacting HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. about selling Optique 1 eyedrops in the US again? Otherwise in which country can I order the drops? Nothing else works as well for me.
Hi Pam,
Boiron USA has decided to discontinue sales of Optique 1 in the United States effective Sept. 29, 2023. This is due to FDA’s heightened scrutiny of eye care products after contaminated drops produced in India led to multiple serious adverse events.
Optique 1 has not been recalled and there is no expected health risk with the use of these eye drops. This applies to all segments of the population, including children, elderly persons, and people with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions. Neither Boiron nor FDA cited safety issues or concerns with the product’s quality.
Boiron has no plans to reformulate, repackage/rename, or in general relaunch Optique 1 or offer another eye drop product in the U.S. In addition, the French and Canadian versions are not the same as the U.S. version was and they are not able to ship outside of their respective countries.
Thanks!
I am going to France this summer. Could you please tell me where near Antibes I can purchase Optique eye drops? I probably have enough until then. My French is at a B2 level and I love going to France. I would happily travel to Canada also for these drops, have gotten them before and the different formulation does not bother me at all. lynne.love@ymail.com
Hello Lynne,
We do not have access to the information on where to buy the French Optique 1 eye drops. However, you can go to Boiron.fr , which is Borion France’s homepage and inquire from them!
Thanks!