Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefits of Coconut Oil for Dry EyePossible Side EffectsDosage and PreparationWhat to Look ForMore Home RemediesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dry Eye
Possible Side Effects
Dosage and Preparation
What to Look For
More Home Remedies
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry eye syndrome(also called dry eye) is a condition where the eyes don’t make enough tears or the right kind of tears.
Dry eye can cause a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes, or feel like there’s something in your eye. It can cause redness and irritation, blurred vision, and tearing up in the eyes. It may also make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable or painful.
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Eye Irritation: Common Causes and Soothing Remedies
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dry Eye
Protective Layer
The tear film spreads over the eye when you blink to keep the eye’s surface smooth and clear, and to maintain good vision.
The tear film is composed of three layers:
Dry eye can result if the eyesdon’t make enough tearsor if something affects one or more layers of the tear film.
No human trials have been conducted on coconut oil as a treatment for dry eye, but a study of rabbits showed that coconut oil can create a protective layer over the tear film. This can prevent evaporation and reduce dry eye.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Some studies have shown that the lauric acid in coconut oil appears to inhibit the growth of some bacteria.Others indicate the potential of coconut oil in thetreatment of inflammation.In theory, this means virgin coconut oil could help dry eye if it has a bacterial or inflammatory component, but this use has not been studied.
A Note About Studies on Coconut OilThe Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that many of the health claims made about coconut oil refer to research that used a special formulation of coconut oil made of 100% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This is not the commercial coconut oil commonly available at most supermarkets.In addition, many of the studies on coconut oil are performed in vitro (meaning outside of the body, for example in a petri dish) or are animal studies. More human studies are needed before concrete health claims can be made.
A Note About Studies on Coconut Oil
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that many of the health claims made about coconut oil refer to research that used a special formulation of coconut oil made of 100% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This is not the commercial coconut oil commonly available at most supermarkets.In addition, many of the studies on coconut oil are performed in vitro (meaning outside of the body, for example in a petri dish) or are animal studies. More human studies are needed before concrete health claims can be made.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that many of the health claims made about coconut oil refer to research that used a special formulation of coconut oil made of 100% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This is not the commercial coconut oil commonly available at most supermarkets.
In addition, many of the studies on coconut oil are performed in vitro (meaning outside of the body, for example in a petri dish) or are animal studies. More human studies are needed before concrete health claims can be made.
In the 2015 study on rabbits, virgin coconut oil showed no signs of harming the animals’ eyes. This suggests that virgin coconut oil may be safe for human eyes, but this has not been confirmed with research.
Because it has not been studied in humans, there is no standard dosage or preparation for the use of coconut oil in the treatment of dry eye.
Some eye clinics suggest soaking a cotton ball in virgin coconut oil and placing it on the closed eyelid or lids several times a day until no longer needed.
Other experts advise using coconut oil in its liquid form as eye drops, but proceed with the following only after consulting with your eye doctor:
Note that these and any recommendations for use of coconut oil in the eyes are subjective and not proven. Always consult an eye doctor before putting coconut oil or other substances in your eyes.
Coconut Oil for Blepharitis
If you decide to use coconut oil fordry eye, choose virgin coconut oil. Since it is unrefined, it retains higher levels of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory compounds like lauric acid. Refined coconut oil also sometimes uses chemical solvents, which may be harmful to eyes.
More Home Remedies for Dry Eyes
Conventional treatments for dry eye include commercial eye drops and prescription medications, and if dry eye is severe enough, surgery or aprocedure to place small plugs in the tear ductsmay be necessary.
In addition to lifestyle changes, a 2012 study showed an increase in tear production after caffeine consumption. More research is needed to see if caffeine is effective as atreatment for dry eye.
Natural Remedies for Your Dry Eyes
A Word From Verywell
Many other home treatments for dry eye would likely be preferable over the use of coconut oil to help you find relief from dry eye. There are also much more effective medical treatments available.
If your eyes are irritated, make an appointment with your eye doctor or healthcare provider to check if dry eye is the culprit, and see what they suggest to help.
Is it safe to apply coconut oil on and around your eyes?
The safety and efficacy of coconut oil used in the eyes has not been determined in humans through research. One study on rabbits indicated it was not harmful to the rabbits’ eyes.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the treatment is not harmful to human eyes, but it cannot be deemed safe with certainty until it is studied. Always ask your eye doctor before putting coconut oil, or anything else, in your eyes.
What natural treatments lubricate dry eyes?
Warm compresses on the eyes, staying hydrated, and blinking more are ways to naturally lubricate your eyes. Measures such as using a humidifier, protecting your eyes from irritants such as smoke and dry air, and limiting screen time can also help with dry eye.
Does petroleum jelly work the same way as coconut oil for dry eyes?
Petroleum jelly products like Vaseline can provide a lipid layer that may protect the skin around the eyes. However, petroleum jelly cannot be liquified like coconut oil, so should not be used in the eye. Further, it does not contain the same antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that coconut oil provides.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?Centers for Dry Eye.Should you use coconut oil for dry eyes?.Mutalib HA, Kaur S, Ghazali AR, Hooi NC, Safie NH.A pilot study: the efficacy of virgin coconut oil as ocular rewetting agent on rabbit eyes.Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2015;2015:e135987. doi:10.1155/2015/135987Shilling M, Matt L, Rubin E, et al.Antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil and its medium-chain fatty acids onClostridium difficile.J Med Food. 2013;16(12):1079-1085. doi:10.1089/jmf.2012.0303Zakaria ZA, Somchit MN, Mat Jais AM, Teh LK, Salleh MZ, Long K.In vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of dried and fermented processed virgin coconut oil.Med Princ Pract. 2011;20(3):231-236. doi:10.1159/000323756Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Coconut oil.Suresha AR, Sadhwini MH.Role ofDemodexinfestation in blepharitis and coconut oil as a treatment option.Indian J Clin Exp Opthaalmol.2020;6(2):270-275. doi:10.18231/j.ijceo.2020.058Liu R, Guo X, Cheng M, et al.Effects of chemical refinement on the quality of coconut oil.J Food Sci Technol. 2019;56(6):3109-3116. doi:10.1007/s13197-019-03810-wNational Eye Institute.Dry eye.Arita R, Yanagi Y, Honda N, et al.Caffeine increases tear volume depending on polymorphisms within the adenosine A2a receptor gene and cytochrome P450 1A2.Ophthalmol. 2012;119(5):972-978. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.11.033
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?Centers for Dry Eye.Should you use coconut oil for dry eyes?.Mutalib HA, Kaur S, Ghazali AR, Hooi NC, Safie NH.A pilot study: the efficacy of virgin coconut oil as ocular rewetting agent on rabbit eyes.Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2015;2015:e135987. doi:10.1155/2015/135987Shilling M, Matt L, Rubin E, et al.Antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil and its medium-chain fatty acids onClostridium difficile.J Med Food. 2013;16(12):1079-1085. doi:10.1089/jmf.2012.0303Zakaria ZA, Somchit MN, Mat Jais AM, Teh LK, Salleh MZ, Long K.In vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of dried and fermented processed virgin coconut oil.Med Princ Pract. 2011;20(3):231-236. doi:10.1159/000323756Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Coconut oil.Suresha AR, Sadhwini MH.Role ofDemodexinfestation in blepharitis and coconut oil as a treatment option.Indian J Clin Exp Opthaalmol.2020;6(2):270-275. doi:10.18231/j.ijceo.2020.058Liu R, Guo X, Cheng M, et al.Effects of chemical refinement on the quality of coconut oil.J Food Sci Technol. 2019;56(6):3109-3116. doi:10.1007/s13197-019-03810-wNational Eye Institute.Dry eye.Arita R, Yanagi Y, Honda N, et al.Caffeine increases tear volume depending on polymorphisms within the adenosine A2a receptor gene and cytochrome P450 1A2.Ophthalmol. 2012;119(5):972-978. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.11.033
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?Centers for Dry Eye.Should you use coconut oil for dry eyes?.Mutalib HA, Kaur S, Ghazali AR, Hooi NC, Safie NH.A pilot study: the efficacy of virgin coconut oil as ocular rewetting agent on rabbit eyes.Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2015;2015:e135987. doi:10.1155/2015/135987Shilling M, Matt L, Rubin E, et al.Antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil and its medium-chain fatty acids onClostridium difficile.J Med Food. 2013;16(12):1079-1085. doi:10.1089/jmf.2012.0303Zakaria ZA, Somchit MN, Mat Jais AM, Teh LK, Salleh MZ, Long K.In vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of dried and fermented processed virgin coconut oil.Med Princ Pract. 2011;20(3):231-236. doi:10.1159/000323756Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Coconut oil.Suresha AR, Sadhwini MH.Role ofDemodexinfestation in blepharitis and coconut oil as a treatment option.Indian J Clin Exp Opthaalmol.2020;6(2):270-275. doi:10.18231/j.ijceo.2020.058Liu R, Guo X, Cheng M, et al.Effects of chemical refinement on the quality of coconut oil.J Food Sci Technol. 2019;56(6):3109-3116. doi:10.1007/s13197-019-03810-wNational Eye Institute.Dry eye.Arita R, Yanagi Y, Honda N, et al.Caffeine increases tear volume depending on polymorphisms within the adenosine A2a receptor gene and cytochrome P450 1A2.Ophthalmol. 2012;119(5):972-978. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.11.033
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?
Centers for Dry Eye.Should you use coconut oil for dry eyes?.
Mutalib HA, Kaur S, Ghazali AR, Hooi NC, Safie NH.A pilot study: the efficacy of virgin coconut oil as ocular rewetting agent on rabbit eyes.Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2015;2015:e135987. doi:10.1155/2015/135987
Shilling M, Matt L, Rubin E, et al.Antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil and its medium-chain fatty acids onClostridium difficile.J Med Food. 2013;16(12):1079-1085. doi:10.1089/jmf.2012.0303
Zakaria ZA, Somchit MN, Mat Jais AM, Teh LK, Salleh MZ, Long K.In vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of dried and fermented processed virgin coconut oil.Med Princ Pract. 2011;20(3):231-236. doi:10.1159/000323756
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Coconut oil.
Suresha AR, Sadhwini MH.Role ofDemodexinfestation in blepharitis and coconut oil as a treatment option.Indian J Clin Exp Opthaalmol.2020;6(2):270-275. doi:10.18231/j.ijceo.2020.058
Liu R, Guo X, Cheng M, et al.Effects of chemical refinement on the quality of coconut oil.J Food Sci Technol. 2019;56(6):3109-3116. doi:10.1007/s13197-019-03810-w
National Eye Institute.Dry eye.
Arita R, Yanagi Y, Honda N, et al.Caffeine increases tear volume depending on polymorphisms within the adenosine A2a receptor gene and cytochrome P450 1A2.Ophthalmol. 2012;119(5):972-978. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.11.033
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