Dry eyes, often referred to as Dry Eye Syndrome, is the most frequent patient complaint to eye doctors. Like most eye conditions, Dry Eye Syndrome is often related to health conditions in the rest of the body. It is commonly associated with dryness of other mucous membranes, interior body surfaces such as joints and brittle nails. It can also be a sign of digestive imbalances or of more serious systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogrens syndrome or lupus erthematosus.
Here are some specific recommendations:
Make sure to eat lots of green leafy vegetables.
Avoid sugar and/or artificial sweeteners: Consumption of more than 11 teaspoons of sugar a day has been linked to dry eye syndrome (a single can of soda contains approximately 9 teaspoons of sugar. Sugar is hidden throughout processed and refined foods including cereals, ketchup, and salad dressings.
Avoid the toxic fats in commercial red meat, dairy products, fried foods and hydrogenated oils (such as margarine and shortening). These fats interfere with the proper metabolism of essential fatty acids in the body and are indirect causes of dry eye syndrome. Eat organic or free range whenever possible.
Avoid coffee and smoking.
Avoid hydrogenated and trans fatty acid containing foods (i.e.: margarine, most chips ... read labels).
Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Avoid any foods you may be allergic to. ry cutting out categories of foods for a week at a time, and see how you feel, or visit an allergist for testing. Typical allergenic foods include nightshades (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes and cucumbers), milk, wheat, and corn (or products with corn in it).
Supplement your diet with a good vitamin that has omega 3 fatty acids in it.
Other Recommendations
Use a humidifier at home and/or at work to keep the air from drying out in the winter.
Remember to blink, especially while working at the computer.
Check your medications for any side effects that may cause dry eyes.
Gently massage upper and lower lids, a couple of times a day to stimulate the tear glands.
Nutritional Recommendations
Supplementing with specific nutrients can help with the tear production including omega-3 fatty acids (such as from flax seed and fish oils), specific omega-6 fatty acids (such as those from Black Current Seed and Borage oils), vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, magnesium. Other nutrients such as tumeric and lactoferrin may be helpful as well. There are formulas available on the market that contain these nutrients.
Natural eye drops without preservatives can be extremely helpful as well.
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