Castor oil has potential as a natural treatment for dry eye disease

ISLAMABAD : Dry eye disease is a common condition that can cause inflammation in the eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) it affects approximately 20 million people in the U.S.

While there are some treatments available for dry eye disease researchers from the University of Auckland were curious if a natural remedy could be effective. They conducted a pilot study where participants applied castor oil to their eyelids which proved beneficial for the participants.

The researchers are conducting another study to see if they can enhance those benefits further by mixing castor oil with manuka and kanuka oils. Further information about the current trial is available via the University of Auckland.

What causes dry eye disease?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that dry eye disease can occur for a number of reasons including disease environmental factors and allergies. A disease called is a common culprit as it causes inflammation that leads to a thickening of the and flaking and crusting of the eyelids. This contributes to developing dry eyes.

Some signs and symptoms of dry eye disease include burning or stinging in the eyes watery or teary eyes sensitivity to light a feeling of grittiness in the eyes. The disease is more common in people ages 50 and older particularly in women. Women undergoing menopause are more at risk for dry eye disease since the hormone changes can lead to changes in the tear film of the eyes. Some treatments available for dry eye disease include over the counter remedies such as artificial tears and nighttime lubricants. Additionally research has shown that some people may improve the quality of their tears but not the quantity by taking vitamin A. There may be a role for omega 3 supplements particularly in those with low dietary intake but evidence from a systematic review concluded that the results of trials were inconsistent. Doctors may prescribe eye drops such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) which have an anti-inflammatory effect.

The 4 week trial is a vegetable oil made from a plant called Ricinus communis and works as a laxative and a natural treatment for some skin conditions such as acne.

According to the National Institutes of Health castor oil can enhance the smoothness and softening of the skin and can also promote an increase in healthy pores and skin tissue through moisturizing hydrating and cleansing.

With those benefits in mind the study researchers wanted to see whether castor oil could be beneficial for treating dry eye disease.

The scientists recruited 26 people with the disease caused by blepharitis to participate in the trial. In order to be eligible for the study the participants could not have had ocular surgery in the past three months they could not wear contacts during the study and they had to agree to discontinue the use of any lid hygiene products.

At the beginning of the trial participants completed questionnaires that assessed their symptoms and participated in eye exams. After these assessments the scientists instructed the participants to apply castor oil to their bottom and top eyelids in the morning and at night for four weeks.

After the 4 week period was over the researchers assessed the participants again to see whether there were any improvements in their symptoms. Overall improvement in dry eye symptoms with castor oil Using castor oil as a treatment for dry eye disease showed promise during the month long trial. By the end of the trial period participants saw an overall improvement in their dry eye symptoms. Some benefits the participants experienced included lessened crusting around the eyelashes and improvement in the eyelid thickening.