Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that help prevent many chronic eye diseases including dry eye. They also keep cells functioning correctly and healthy. Foods rich in these antioxidants include leafy greens like kale, spinach and romaine lettuce. They can be found as supplements.
Omega-7 Rich Foods: Avocado, Macadamia Nuts, and Olive Oil
These foods, naturally high in Omega 7, are often recommended by our optometrists. Omega-7 aids cell membranes in retaining moisture and may alleviate dry eye symptoms by reducing redness, irritation, and inflammation.
VITAMIN D. More and more research is finding that vitamin D is crucial for a properly functioning tear film. Dietary sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon, sardines, and egg yolks.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium for Dry Eyes
Vitamin B6 specifically helps for absorption of magnesium which is a necessary nutrient for tear production. Magnesium helps facilitate over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. A deficiency in this nutrient is links to the occurrence of dry eyes.
Virgin coconut oil is great for those with dry eyes, as it creates a protective layer over the tear film layers, resulting in reduced evaporation.
Poor blinking habits while reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods of time. A dry, indoor environment. Contact lenses. Certain medications (including tranquilizers, antihistamines, certain heart medications, diuretics, birth control pills and ulcer medications).
Water helps keep your eyes moist and produces healthy tears. Lack of tear production is a sign of dry eye syndrome. Drinking enough water is a simple way to resolve your dry eye syndrome. To keep your body healthy, you should drink eight to ten glasses of water every day.
Deficiencies in Vitamin A or riboflavin can also cause dry mouth. While both these conditions are rare, they are real and serious, and a medical professional should treat them. Read on to find out if you're experiencing the symptoms of dry mouth.
Research studies confirm that Manuka honey is an effective treatment for a range of eye conditions, including dry eye relief. It achieves this by lowering the pH and reducing bacterial overgrowth and inflammation, thereby stabilising the surface of the eye.
Bananas. Potassium is also great for eye health, particularly for dry eyes, as it is one of the important components that make up the tear film and help to maintain film thickness. Bananas are also a source of vitamin A which is also crucial for eye health.
Manuka honey possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be used to treat dry eye.
Maqui berries have a higher concentration of beneficial compounds, including anthocyanins, polyphenols, and omega oils, making them a better option for treating dry eyes than bilberries. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that neutralise free radicals.
Changing levels of estrogen and progesterone can affect the meibomian gland (where the oil layer of your tear film is produced), which can lead to dryness or irritation. Estrogen can also make the cornea more elastic, which can affect how light is refracted by the eye.
“This study demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with tear hyperosmolarity and tear film dysfunction. Patients with vitamin D deficiency may be prone to dry eye,” the investigators wrote in their paper.