If you have dry eyes, you should avoid foods high in sugar, saturated/trans fats, and salt, as well as alcohol, because they increase inflammation and dehydration; focus instead on a Mediterranean-style diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins to help reduce symptoms. Specifically, limit processed foods, sugary drinks, fried foods, red meat, refined carbs (white bread, pasta), and excessive dairy/alcohol, which worsen inflammation.
Processed & Fried Foods – Inflammation Triggers
When these glands become inflamed, tear evaporation increases, making dry eye symptoms worse. Avoid or Limit: Fast food, fried chicken, chips, and margarine. Processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, sausage)
Vitamin A (retinol)
Vitamin A deficiency, which usually occurs in developing countries, can cause an increase in dry eye. Adding foods rich in Vitamin A like pumpkins, apricots, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, dairy products, and liver can help. It also helps protect the surface of the eye.
Lifestyle and work patterns. Prolonged near work and excessive screen time reduce our blink rate and can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Poor sleep, diet and high stress may disrupt meibomian gland function leading to low quality or an unstable tear film.
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.
Don't direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward your eyes. Add moisture to the air. In winter, a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air. Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear.
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.
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.
If a dry eye disease remains untreated, it can get to stage four, the most severe symptoms. During this stage, patients experience severe symptoms such as stickiness, burning, photophobia, stinging, blurriness, itching, and a foreign body sensation in their eyes.
5 Common Dry Eye Triggers to Avoid
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, an antioxidant recommended by the American Optometry Association (AOA) for protecting vision and preventing eye diseases. Vitamin C is also a tear film component, aiding lubrication and promoting tear production. Some go-to citrus fruits include: Orange.
Physical stimuli, such as pressure and abrasion, also increase the blood flow. These findings suggest that massage applied to periocular regions can improve OBF. Any increase in OBF induced by massage may improve vision.
Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, helps the body make DNA and nerve cells. 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.
What Should I Focus On for Eye-Healthy Eating?
Bananas can be beneficial for those with dry eyes, primarily due to their nutrient profile. Bananas are rich in potassium, a key mineral that supports tear film health and eye moisture. Potassium helps maintain fluid balance in the body, which is essential for producing a stable, protective tear layer over the eye.
Avoid these 5 Worst Foods for Healthy Vision
No, dry eyes do not go away on their own. Rather, you must address the underlying cause of the dry eye syndrome, and not just “deal” with it. Doing so could lead to long-term complications, and certainly impact your overall eye health.
While dry eye syndrome is among the most common types of OSD, there are several others:
Patients with level 2 dry eye will have moderate symptoms, mild punctate corneal staining, visual signs in the tear film, a tear-film breakup time between two and seven seconds, and a Schirmer score between 5 and 10.
There are three main types of eye drops which your GP or eye health professional may recommend or prescribe:
Results: Systane is significantly more effective than Refresh Tears at improving symptoms of "dryness" (75% vs 41%). Systane costs on average $57.79 per year more than Refresh Tears.
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Another common cause of blurred vision is dry eyes. You could have dry eyes if your vision improves when you blink. Dry eye syndrome can cause what seems to be a film. The syndrome may also cause itching, redness and pain.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Not only does this plant purify the air, but it also helps maintain humidity levels, which can prevent dry eyes – a common issue for office workers.
Castor oil has proven uses in artificial tears and eyelid treatments, particularly for dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. Non-sterile castor oil is unsafe for ocular use and may lead to infections or allergic reactions.