Health Benefits of Castor Oil Eye Drops (2024)

You may be looking for eye drops if you’re having problems with itchy or irritated eyes. With one version, drops that use castor oil, have grown in popularity. Castor oil has many healing properties and is used as a holistic eye treatment. Some claim that it eases inflammation and improves lymphatic circulation.

What Are Castor Oil Eye Drops?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil that comes from castor beans. It’s mainly grown and harvested in Africa, South America, and India. People have been using it for at least 1,400 years. India accounts for over 90% of castor oil exports.

Castor oil is a source of biodegradable polymers, cosmetics, lubricants, adhesives, coatings, and more. It’s also used in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biorefineries. Studies have shown that the versatile oil is relatively safe for people.

Castor oil eye drops can be an organic alternative to typical over-the-counter eye drops.‌

The Benefits of Castor Oil Eye Drops

Castor oil is a versatile compound that may have benefits like:

‌Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This disorder is a common cause of dry eyes. A low concentration of castor oil eye drops has been shown to treat MGD. They help improve the stability of tears and lipids in your eyes.By thickening the lipid layer, the drops keep your eyes healthy, preventing infection and easing symptoms.

Less tear evaporation. Eye drops with castor oil in them also help improve symptoms of dry eye. The oil reduces tear evaporation, which can make your eyes drier, itchier, and more uncomfortable. Its ability to stabilize tear production helps with overall dryness, too.

‌Medicinal properties. Castor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it safe for your eyes and boost tear film lipids.

Lasting effects. Another benefit of castor oil eye drops is how long they last. Studies show that they may stay in your eyes for up to 4 hours.

Tips for Using Castor Oil Eye Drops

Using eye drops for the first time can be difficult, especially if you aren’t used to putting things in your eye. First, wash your hands and make sure you have a clean towel handy. Then:

  • Tilt your head back and place your index finger on the soft spot below your lower lid. Gently pull down.
  • Look up at the ceiling and squeeze one drop into the pouch formed in your lower lid.
  • Don’t wipe your eye. Close it and let the eye drop spread out. This will make sure that the drops have been absorbed.

If liquid comes out and goes down your face, use the towel to pat it dry. Don’t rub your eyes. If you have a hard time getting the drops into your lower lid by yourself, have someone help you. Or you can try to put the drop in the corner of your eye.

If you notice side effects like blurry vision, itchiness, or swelling, you may be having an allergic reaction. Other symptoms include:

Stop using the eye drops right away and call your doctor. Without treatment, a reaction could cause complications with your eyes and eyesight.

Health Benefits of Castor Oil Eye Drops (2024)

FAQs

Health Benefits of Castor Oil Eye Drops? ›

The oil reduces tear evaporation, which can make your eyes drier, itchier, and more uncomfortable. Its ability to stabilize tear production helps with overall dryness, too. ‌Medicinal properties. Castor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it safe for your eyes and boost tear film lipids.

Can castor oil help with eye floaters? ›

Castor oil isn't good for your eyes, despite what TikTokers claim. Doctors say these 6 things will actually protect them. TikTokers claim that castor oil cures eye floaters and prevents cataracts. But doctors say that there is no evidence to support this, and using castor oil carries risks.

Is castor oil good for under eye? ›

While castor oil hasn't been scientifically proven to reduce dark circles under the eyes, anecdotal evidence suggests it might. It's considered safe for most people, though those with allergies should do a patch test before using. People who are pregnant should avoid using castor oil as it's known to induce labor.

Which castor oil is best for eyes? ›

It should be noted that only certain types of castor oil are safe to use for your eyes. To ensure that the castor oil drops which you use are safe look for the following labels - Cold-pressed, Virgin, Hexane-free and certified organic.

Which oil is best for eyesight? ›

Olive oil has been shown to be beneficial for both dry eyes and macular degeneration. It helps to keep the eyes lubricated and hydrated, and can also help to prevent the progression of macular degeneration. Fish oil, on the other hand, is most commonly associated with preventing age-related macular degeneration.

What are the negative effects of castor oil on eyes? ›

In fact, getting castor oil in the eye, he said, can cause eye irritation, reduced tear quality, blurred vision and allergic reactions. It also can block lubricating glands in the eyelid, resulting in dry eye.

Does castor oil improve eyesight? ›

Castor oil's effectiveness for treating eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and blurry vision is “questionable and not supported by scientific evidence,” Attar said.

Can we apply castor oil on eyes overnight? ›

Direct Topical Use of Castor Oil

Apply it directly, under your eyes. Massage it gently for a couple of minutes. Leave it overnight. Wash your face well in the morning.

Does castor oil increase collagen? ›

Fortunately, castor oil can help reduce the appearance of these signs of aging. Castor oil contains fatty acids that penetrate deep into the skin, promoting collagen production and improving elasticity.

Does castor oil help inflammation? ›

Castor oil's anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent massage oil for arthritic joints, sore muscles, and inflammation of your nerves. The ricinoleic acid that castor oil contains possess the ability to boost anti-inflammatory properties within the body and is considered a safe remedy for arthritis pain.

What is the best vitamin to restore eyesight? ›

1. Vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision by maintaining a clear cornea, which is the outside covering of your eye. This vitamin is also a component of rhodopsin, a protein in your eyes that allows you to see in low light conditions ( 1 ).

What eye drops have castor oil in them? ›

Castor oil is a component added to some commercially available artificial tears. Examples include: Refresh Optive Advanced (purchase online) Refresh Optive Mega-3 (purchase online)

What is the best vitamin for eye floaters? ›

Although there are many ways to prevent the onset of eye floaters, emerging research suggests a diet rich in micronutrients – most notably, zinc, l-lysine, and vitamin C – may improve vision by reducing eye floaters in individuals who already struggle with them.

What will dissolve eye floaters? ›

Vitreolysis uses laser light to treat your eye floaters. Quick pulses of laser light are applied to your eye through a contact lens. This converts the collagen into gas. This makes the floater smaller or completely removes it.

What is the best natural treatment for eye floaters? ›

Remedies you may consider for coping with floaters include:
  • Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid eye drops are often used after eye surgery to reduce inflammation and help with the recovery process. ...
  • Diet and nutrition. ...
  • Rest and relaxation. ...
  • Protect your eyes from harsh light. ...
  • Floaters naturally fade on their own.
Oct 7, 2020

What supplements help floaters? ›

But now, new research suggests increasing your intake of micronutrients, like l-lysine, vitamin C and zinc, may improve vision by supporting the reduction of floaters.

What juice is good for eye floaters? ›

Lemon is efficient in helping you to get rid of eye floaters. Lemons are abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants which repair degenerative macular and retinal tissues, that lead to eye floaters. You can squeeze that lemon in the glass of water and add some honey to it.

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