No, you should not put regular flaxseed oil directly in your eyes as it can cause irritation, blurry vision, or infection; it's meant to be taken orally as a supplement to help with dry eyes, improving tear quality from within, but always consult a doctor first before using any home remedies or supplements for eye health.
F is for Flaxseeds! Flaxseeds are wonderful plant-based source of Omega-3s, essential for retinal photoreceptor structural health. They have been clinically shown to reduce symptoms of dry eye as well as help prevent macular degeneration. Flaxseeds also have: - Protein - Fiber - Phytosterols - Vitamins B 1, 2, 3, 5, 6,
Dry eye treated orally with flaxseed oil has a high success rate, according to a 3-year follow-up study of 200 patients. "We found that 85% had total relief of their symptoms at the 2-month check," said investigator Carol R. Boerner, MD, an ophthalmologist in private solo practice.
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.
The new drug, known as acoltremon but sold as Tryptyr, is the first of its kind that offers hope to about 38 million people in the U.S. living with DED, fewer than 10% of whom currently use prescription treatments. DED is a condition where the eyes don't make enough tears or when tears dry up too quickly.
Omega-3 fatty acids, most commonly found in fish and flax seeds, have been proven to decrease symptoms of dry eyes. Omega-3 reduces inflammation in the eyes and enables increased tear quantity as well as quality!
Because fish oil contains natural EPA and DHA omega-3s (that don't have to be converted from ALA), many nutrition experts recommend fish oil over flaxseed oil. Grilled salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids to fight dry eyes.
Limited amounts of flaxseed (especially flaxseed lignan extract or mucilage) or oral flaxseed oil supplements may be safe for use in the short-term (up to 6 months). Higher doses of flaxseed or flaxseed oil supplements may cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms like bloating, fullness, and diarrhea.
Vitamin B12
According to a 2017 study, a B12 deficiency is associated with severe dry eye and eye pain. A recent 2015 study found that the combination of oral vitamin B12 supplements and artificial tears improved symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Geranium oil earns a top spot among the best essential oils to fight eye health problems. Loaded with many nutrients and gentle compounds, it is mild yet effective for the eyes, thus promoting long-term vision health. Moreover, it aids in reducing under-eye bags and gradually enhances vision.
Refresh Optive® Mega-3 is a flaxseed-enhanced, low-blur formula that is designed to help relieve Dry Eye symptoms associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, as well as soothe the everyday irritation, burning, or itching symptoms of Dry Eye.
Superior eye health stems from a healthy diet. Make sure you're getting plenty of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Reach for green, leafy vegetables such as kale or spinach and try to incorporate salmon, tuna, or other types of oily fish into your diet.
You may be able to manage your dry eyes with frequent eyelid washing and use of nonprescription eye drops or other products that help lubricate your eyes. If your condition is long term (chronic), use eye drops even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated.
Sunflower seeds
An ounce of seeds have about half the daily recommended amount of vitamin E. Simply eating a handful of seeds can provide a healthy boost to the eyes. If you don't like sunflower seeds you can swap them out with other vitamin E-rich legumes like almonds and hazelnuts.
These items appear to reduce dry eye symptoms, and can be used with or without eye drops to alleviate some aspects of dry eyes. Many eye doctors are recommending fish oil or flaxseed oil as part of an overall plan to treat dry eyes, or to prevent the onset or progression of symptoms.
Flaxseed oil and fish oil may help to treat and improve the symptoms of dry eyes. This is because they contain important dietary fatty acids that have multiple health benefits. These health benefits are believed to derive from omega-3 fatty acids needed by the body for vital functions and eyesight.
Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. Flaxseed may also help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
For mild to moderate dryness, products like TheraTears Lubricant or Systane Ultra offer reliable relief without breaking the bank. If your dry eye symptoms are more severe, consider longer-lasting gel-based options such as Systane Gel Drops or Refresh Celluvisc for added comfort.
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. Vitamin B2 protects your eyes from cell damage.
Soak a flannel in warm (not hot) water and gently press it on the area around your eyes. This makes the oil produced by the glands around your eyes more runny. Gently massage your eyelids with your finger or a cotton bud.
Is There a Permanent Cure for Dry Eye? Dry eye occurs when the eyes don't produce enough quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, irritation, and blurry vision. While there isn't a single permanent cure, many treatments significantly reduce symptoms and improve eye health.
MOST SEVERE – Stage 4 dry eye
Your tear break-up time will be almost immediate. The symptoms will be at their most severe and frequent, and may include burning, painful, sore, itchy eyes. It is a possibility that damage to the ocular surface has reached a stage where referral to an eye hospital may become necessary.
Several new dry eye treatments were approved by the FDA in 2025, including Miebo™ (NOV03), VEVYE™ (CyclASol), and Reproxalap. XDEMVY™ (TP-03) is another 2025 ophthalmic solution and a revolutionary treatment for Demodex blepharitis linked to dry eyes.