Foods alleviating dry eye syndrome
In recent years, research has highlighted several nutrients and supplements that may help alleviate chronic dry eye symptoms. Here's a look at some of the key findings.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, are widely supported for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve tear quality and tear film stability. According to various studies, these supplements can lead to significant symptom reduction in dry eye patients [2][4].
Vitamin A is another essential nutrient for maintaining the health of the ocular surface. If dietary intake is insufficient, supplements can be beneficial [2].
Maqui berry extract and curcumin, derived from the maqui berry and turmeric respectively, have shown potential benefits in reducing dry eye symptoms through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more studies are needed to confirm their efficacy [4].
Lactoferrin, a protein with anti-inflammatory properties, may also improve symptoms, but further research is required [4]. It's worth noting that fish oil alone may not be effective unless combined with other fatty acids or vitamins [4].
Besides supplements, a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports overall ocular health and can aid in managing dry eye symptoms. A diet rich in healthy fats, such as those from fatty fish, flaxseeds, and nuts, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and sufficient vitamin A sources (like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens) aligns with the nutrient recommendations for dry eye management.
Vitamin C helps with tear production and may aid in relieving dry eye symptoms. Foods containing vitamin C include Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may provide relief from chronic dry eye symptoms. These specific types of fatty acids are only present in fatty fish.
Vitamin A can help with overall eye health and tear production. A reported improved quality of tears in people with dry eyes who took vitamin A supplements, but further studies are necessary to confirm this finding.
Vitamin E may help improve overall eye health and the stability of the tear film. Foods providing vitamin E include red peppers, peanuts, almonds, wheat germ oil, and pumpkin.
In terms of foods to avoid, there are no specific recommendations for people with dry eye syndrome. However, staying hydrated can help minimize dry eye symptoms.
Probiotics, found in fermented foods and supplements, may help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which can aid in tear production and potentially benefit people with dry eyes. The 2020 study suggests that taking diverse probiotics may help create a well-balanced gut microbiome that can aid in tear production [1].
Zinc, found in various foods, may protect the eyes from light and promote retina health, but its exact effect on dry eyes is unknown.
It's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements to ensure safety, proper dosing, and absence of interactions with other medications [2][4].
In summary, current scientific evidence supports the use of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, flaxseed oil, maqui berry extract, curcumin, and lactoferrin supplements—along with a balanced diet—for improving chronic dry eye symptoms. Emerging biologic treatments may offer future options [1][2][4].
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7343016/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7031498/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7116960/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7067985/
- Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve tear quality, leading to significant symptom reduction in dry eye patients according to various studies.
- Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the health of the ocular surface, with supplements being beneficial if dietary intake is insufficient.
- Maqui berry extract and curcumin exhibit potential benefits in reducing dry eye symptoms through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but more studies are needed to confirm their efficacy.
- Lactoferrin, with anti-inflammatory properties, may improve dry eye symptoms, but further research is required.
- A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports overall ocular health and can aid in managing dry eye symptoms, with a focus on healthy fats, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and sufficient vitamin A sources.
- Vitamin C, found in Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli, may aid in relieving dry eye symptoms by helping with tear production.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fatty fish, may provide relief from chronic dry eye symptoms.
- Vitamin A can help with overall eye health and tear production, with reported improved quality of tears in people with dry eyes who took vitamin A supplements (further studies are necessary).
- Vitamin E, found in red peppers, peanuts, almonds, wheat germ oil, and pumpkin, may improve overall eye health and the stability of the tear film.
- In terms of foods to avoid, there are no specific recommendations for people with dry eye syndrome, but staying hydrated can help minimize dry eye symptoms.
- Probiotics, found in fermented foods and supplements, may help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which can aid in tear production and potentially benefit people with dry eyes (emerging research suggests that taking diverse probiotics may help create a well-balanced gut microbiome).
- Zinc, found in various foods, may protect the eyes from light and promote retina health, but its exact effect on dry eyes is unknown. Consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements to ensure safety, proper dosing, and absence of interactions with other medications.
