Dry Eyes
Description
This page has 34 references
"Dry Eyes" is a condition where the eyes fail to produce enough tears or retain adequate moisture, leading to discomfort and irritation. Triggers include prolonged screen time, aging, contact lens use, and environmental factors like dry air, wind, or smoke. Common symptoms include burning, stinging, redness, or blurry vision. Increasing hydration, boosting omega-3 intake, and using artificial tears can ease discomfort. Regular breaks from screens and shielding eyes from irritants help maintain long-term comfort and visual health.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Eyes and Vision
Causes
Aging, Weather Conditions, Air-Conditioning, Eye Injury, Medications, Laser Eye Surgery
Things To Do
If you are experiencing eye dryness, try the following:
consuming a whole-foods-based diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory compounds.
applying a warm compress to your eyes three times a day.
drinking enough quality water.
optimizing the indoor humidity levels.
ventilating indoor spaces.
using air purifiers and humidifiers when necessary.
giving your eyes a rest from the screens and flashing lights.
blinking, which helps restore natural moisture.
using eye-moisturizing drops.
Furthermore, make sure to:
get enough quality sleep.
Wear sunglasses if the weather conditions outside cause your eyes to feel dry.
exercise regularily. Physical activity can increase tear secretion.
Things To Avoid
For eye dryness, avoid these practices:
drinking alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated beverages that extract moisture from the body.
staying too long in air-conditioned spaces.
wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time.
spending too much time in front of the computer, tablet, smartphone, or TV.
eating processed and fast foods.
wearing eye makeup.
Furthermore, avoid:
sleeping too little.
stress.
smoking.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect dry eyes by supporting tear production, reducing ocular surface inflammation, or improving lubrication of the eye.
Omega 3: Omega-3 improves the oil layer of the tear film, enhancing tear stability and reducing symptoms of dry eyes, such as irritation and discomfort.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining the eye's surface tissues, preventing dryness and irritation. Adequate intake helps maintain moisture and promotes long-term eye health.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D supports tear production and reduces inflammation in the eyes, helping maintain moisture and reduce the risk of dry eye symptoms.
Zinc: Zinc supports the tear film structure, promoting tear stability and reducing dryness in the eyes. Supplementing zinc can alleviate dry eye symptoms by improving moisture retention.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances tear production, supporting moisture levels in the eyes and alleviating discomfort caused by dryness, helping maintain overall eye health.
Carnitine: Carnitine protects ocular surface cells by reducing oxidative stress and osmotic imbalance, helping to relieve dryness and irritation.
Asthaxanthin Extract: Astaxanthin possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, promoting tear film stability and hydrating the ocular surface, which helps reduce irritation, burning, and dryness.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target dry eyes directly but may support immune balance, reduce oxidative stress, or improve skin and mucosal hydration.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help alleviate dry eyes by improving tear film stability, supporting mucosal integrity, or easing eye surface discomfort.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid improves tear film stability by increasing water retention, reducing evaporation, and maintaining hydration on the eye surface, providing relief from dry eye symptoms.
Manuka Honey: Manuka honey, applied topically, provides antimicrobial protection and promotes tear film stability, reducing symptoms of dry eye.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support relief from dry eyes by enhancing moisture retention, calming eye surface irritation, or reducing local inflammation.
Borage Oil: Borage oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which stimulates tear production and helps maintain well-lubricated eyes, offering relief from dryness.
Evening Primrose Oil: Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), promoting tear production and maintaining eye lubrication, helping alleviate dry eye discomfort.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on dry eyes but may support overall eye health, reduce systemic inflammation, or assist with hydration and tissue repair.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support ocular hydration, reduce surface irritation, and promote tear stability in individuals experiencing dry eyes.
Warm Compress Therapy: Warm compresses improve meibomian gland function, enhancing lipid secretion and stabilizing the tear film to relieve dry eye discomfort.
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Educational Videos To Learn From
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
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