Natural Remedies For Dry Eye Syndrome
by Sheila McCormick on September 6th, 2007
Loading ...Every time we blink our eyelids spread tears over our eyes to lubricate, moisturize and wash away debris. According to the National Eye Foundation, tears are secreted by specialized glands located around the eye and they are critical to good eye health. Tears contain water to moisturize the eye, oil to lubricate the eye, mucus for even spreading of tears and antibodies to help eyes resist infections. Sometimes tear production becomes imbalanced and the result is dry eyes.
An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from dry eyes and it is the number one reason why people visit their eye doctors. People who have dry eyes frequently have burning, itching or irritation that tends to worsen as the day goes by. Some patients describe it as a sensation of having something “gravelly” in their eye. Other symptoms include redness, scratchiness, excessive tears and blurred vision that improves when you blink.
Although there are many causes of dry eye syndrome, aging is probably the most common one. As we get older, our bodies sometimes have an oil deficiency. Oil is a necessary component of our tears and without it the water in our eyes can evaporate too quickly. Hot, dry or windy climates can cause dry eyes as well as rooms that are air-conditioned. Cigarette smoke is another common trigger of dry eyes.
People who wear contact lenses have an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome. People who take antihistamines, antidepressants, birth control pills and certain types of blood pressure medications are also at high risk.
In some cases people who have dry eyes have a structural problem in the eye, an eyelid disease or a deficiency of the tear ducts. Dry eyes can also be a symptom of a systemic disorder such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiencies. Recent studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, lactation, menstruation and menopause may also trigger dry eye symptoms.
Computer use or other close work where you need to concentrate can cause or irritate dry eyes. When you concentrate you don’t blink as often and therefore your eyes aren’t being properly lubricated. People blink about 22 times a minute while relaxing, 10 time while reading, but only seven times when working a computer.
There are a number of alternative health remedies that can be used to naturally treat dry eyes. For example, some people have been able to eliminate dry eyes completely simply by adding Omega 3 fatty acids to their diet. Omega 3 acids increase the viscosity of oils made by the body, especially in the eyes. Flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil may also be helpful. Eating foods rich in Vitamin A or supplementing with Vitamin A can also help keep the eyes moist.
To avoid dry eyes, you should keep your indoor humidity between 30 and 40 percent. If the air in your house is dry, use a humidifier to add moisture. You might also consider buying an air filter to pull dust and other eye irritants out of the air. When you are outside, wear sunglasses to reduce your eyes’ exposure to wind and dust.
You can purchase “artificial tears” at your local health food store or drug store. These can be used frequently and are very effective in returning moisture to dry eyes. Unless there is a serious underlying medical condition causing the symptoms, dry eyes respond well to natural remedies.
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