Dry eye(DE) affects approximately 5-50% of select populations. It is most prevalent in women. There are multiple causes of DE. The tear film in the eye is made up of both the water in tears and an oil film which is produced by glands that line the pink edge of both the top and bottom eyelid. In DE these glands don’t secrete enough or the oil is of poor quality which lead to blockage of the glands. The tear ducts also may not release enough tears. Other causes include ocular surface inflammation and corneal nerve disfunction.
Dietary Factors
To get the nutrients necessary for eye health it is important to include these foods in your diet.
- Fish
- Olive oil
- Omega-9 oils
- Nuts
- Leafy green vegetables
Beneficial Molecules
Macqui Berry extract at 60mg per day encouraged a 45% increase in tear production after 30 days.
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule known for hydration of the joints and the skin. It is most prevalent in the eyes and in the joints. Oral supplementation of hyaluronic acid promoted a longer tear break-up time and reduced other symptoms of dry eye.
EGCG from green tea reduced the amount of dying corneal cells, decreased ocular inflammation and increased tear production.
Resveratrol, quercetin and pterostilbene decreased inflammatory cytokines in the eye.
Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for DE and is associated with worse symptoms and less tear production.
Omega-3s with a high DHA component improved tear break up time and oil gland function.
Curr Opin Opthalmol. July 2021 Panminerva Med. 2014 Acta Opthalmol 2020 J Opthalmol Int J Opthalmol 2021
