My mom says using gulab jal for eyes can keep them clean and healthy

Looking to add a touch of rose to your eye care routine? Look no further than rose water! Not only does it smell lovely, but it also has a host of benefits for your eyes. From fighting redness to preventing cataracts, rose water or gulab jal can be a natural and effective way to keep your eyes in tip-top shape. Shocking right! I was amazed too when I asked my mom for some eye drops and instead she handed me rose water. She told me that it was an old remedy to keep your eyes lubricated and prevent it from various eye problems. Well, doctors agree with her too!

But before you go pouring any old rose water into your eyes, it’s important to know the potential risks and how to use it safely. So, let’s dive into the world of rose water and discuss the benefits and risks of using rose water for eyes and how to use it.

Benefits of using rose water for eyes

1. Removes dust from eyes

“Rose water acts as a natural cleanser and can help in removing dirt, dust and other allergens from the eyes,” says Dr Arvind Kumar, Senior Consultant, Ophthalmology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad. This can be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or eye infections.

2. Acts as an eye lubricant

Dr Kumar explains that rose water or gulab jal lubricates and provides moisture to eyes, thereby providing a cooling effect to eyes. It can help to soothe dry and tired eyes. It also helps in lubricating the eyes, which can be helpful for people who suffer from dry eye syndrome.

3. Fights eye redness

Rose water has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and swelling in the eyes. It can also provide mild pain relief, making it a useful remedy for people who suffer from eye strain or fatigue.

4. Prevents cataract

Gulab jal contains antioxidants that can help prevent cataract formation. Cataract is a common eye condition that affects people as they age, causing a clouding of the eye’s natural lens.

5. Prevents conjunctivitis

If you are wondering, is rose water safe to treat pink eye? Yes, it is! Rose water has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common eye infection that causes redness and inflammation in the eye.

Side effects of using rose water for eyes

There are limited studies on the side effects of using rose water as eye drops, but some potential risks have been reported. Here are some of the reported side effects:

1. Eye irritation: Some people may experience mild irritation or discomfort after using rose water as eye drops. “This can be due to the presence of natural plant compounds or the pH level of the rose water,” says Dr Kumar.

2. Infection: Dr Kumar explains that if the rose water used is not sterile, it may introduce bacteria or fungi into the eye, leading to an infection. This is why it’s important to use sterile rose water and a clean dropper when applying it to the eyes.

3. Corneal damage: In rare cases, using rose water as eye drops may cause damage to the cornea. This can happen if the rose water is contaminated, or if it is used in large quantities or for prolonged periods.

4. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to roses or the natural compounds found in rose water, leading to an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, redness, or a rash around the eyes.

It’s important to note that these side effects are rare and that using rose water as eye drops can be safe and effective when done properly. However, if you experience any adverse reactions after using rose water as eye drops, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention.

How to use rose water as eye drops?

Using rose water as eye drops can be beneficial for the eyes, but it should be done with caution. Here’s how to use rose water as eye drops:

1. Ensure that the rose water is of good quality and sterile. You can either buy a commercial product or make your own rose water at home by boiling rose petals in water and straining the liquid.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly before using the rose water as eye drops.

3. Pour a small amount of rose water into a clean, sterile eye dropper.

4. Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.

5. Gently squeeze the eyedropper to release a drop of rose water into the pocket of your eye.

6. Blink a few times to distribute the rose water across your eye.

7. Repeat the process for the other eye.

8. Discard any unused rose water, and clean the eye dropper with warm water and soap before storing it.

Rose water can be a beneficial natural remedy for the eyes, but it should be used with caution. It is important to ensure that the product is of good quality and sterile, and that it is used in the correct way to avoid any risks.