Key dry eye supplements focus on Omega-3s (fish oil, flaxseed) for tear quality, and vitamins like A, D, B12, and E to reduce inflammation and support ocular surface health, working from the inside out, but always consult an eye doctor before starting, as excessive intake can be harmful. Other beneficial ingredients include Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) from borage oil, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Curcumin for comprehensive support.
Not only is vitamin B12 essential for proper nerve cell function–including those in your eyes–but it is also necessary for red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 can help reduce dry eye symptoms such as burning by repairing the eye's corneal layer.
Vitamin A deficiency, which usually occurs in developing countries, can cause an increase in dry eye. By adding foods rich in Vitamin A, like carrots, pumpkins, apricots, spinach, tomatoes, dairy products and liver, you can prevent the development of this condition.
Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet may help relieve dry eye signs and symptoms. These are available as supplements and in foods such as flaxseed, salmon and sardines. Castor oil eye drops. These eye drops may improve symptoms by reducing tear evaporation.
According to various studies, vitamin D supplements may help by reducing inflammation on the eye's surface, and improving the efficiency of lubricating eye drops. Research showed that taking oral vitamin D supplements improved tear quality and reduce dry eye symptoms.
NYU Langone ophthalmologists often suggest the use of artificial tears for mild dry eye disease. This is an over-the-counter medication available as an eye drop that helps to replace or supplement the tear film, the natural layer of water, oil, and mucus that keeps the eyes moist.
While there is some evidence for taking a supplement for those with certain types of AMD (backed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology) for the rest of us, nutrition is best gained from eating a healthy diet.
Eye drops: There are many different types of eye drops. Artificial tears lubricate and soothe your eyes, temporarily relieving symptoms. They're available over the counter. Ointments: If your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant at night, like an ointment.
[8], [9], [11] Based on this principle, frequent screen users are often advised to follow the 20-20-20 rule which instructs them to briefly look away from the screen for at least 20 s to a distant scene at least 20 feet (6 m) away after every 20 min of continuous work.
In severe cases, untreated dry eye can result in corneal ulcers, increased risk of eye infections, and even vision problems. Some patients develop painful scarring on the eye's surface that can affect visual clarity permanently.
Reasons for tear film dysfunction are many, including hormone changes, autoimmune disease, inflamed eyelid glands or allergic eye disease. For some people, the cause of dry eyes is decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation.
Side effects of vitamin D supplements may include constipation and dry mouth. Extremely high levels of vitamin D are harmful, and can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, excessive thirst and kidney stones. Vitamin D supplements can interact with certain medications, so check with your doctor before starting one.
Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining eye function and hydration, making it an essential mineral for individuals suffering from dry eye syndrome.
What are the most important vitamins for eye health?
While artificial tears and ointments are the most common treatments for dry eye, some patients have heard the outdated advice that omega-3 fatty acids may also help. There's no strong evidence that this is true, unfortunately.
Conclusion: The results from this study provide support for the beneficial effects of 6 months of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on regular users of electronic screens. Compared to the placebo, there were improvements in several ophthalmic examinations for dry eyes and visual health.
Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, which is important for spreading tears evenly across the eye surface. This reduced blinking can lead to increased tear evaporation and worsen dry eye symptoms. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
Although dry eye syndrome can happen to anyone and at any age, it becomes more common as people grow older. After age 40, the risk of developing dry eye syndrome increases with each passing decade. The condition is also seen more often in women who have entered menopause.
Medical Reasons Your Dry Eye Symptoms Get Worse at Night
This change is gradual, but you might notice it most during evening hours when your eyes have been working hard all day. Your meibomian glands produce the oil layer that prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly.
Eat (Naturally) Oily Fish
Research suggests these healthy fats help the oil-making glands in your eye work better, which can ease irritation. Other foods naturally high in omega-3 fats include walnuts, vegetable oils (like canola and soybean oil), and flaxseed. You can also take omega-3 fatty acids as a pill or tablet.
You may be able to find relief with these simple home remedies for dry eyes:
Dry skin often responds well to lifestyle measures, such as using moisturizers and avoiding long, hot showers and baths. If you have very dry skin, your doctor may recommend a moisturizing product formulated for your needs.
While few studies support positive claims about supplements, the age-related eye disease study (AREDS) is an exception. The research showed a group getting a specialized blend of vitamin and mineral supplements had a 25 percent lower risk of worsening of age-related macular degeneration.
Major health organizations list thirteen vitamins:
Mango and papaya are full of nutrients that help support healthy eyes. Two key nutrients are the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These act as a natural sunblock, absorbing excess light coming into the retina. They also protect the eye from harmful blue light.