Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tears glands in the eyes do not produce enough fluid, or if the tears vanish too quickly. Researchers are exploring the possibilities of using dietary measures or vitamin supplements to help dry eye.
Dry Eye Syndrome: Eye Friendly Nuitrient Studies:
- The use of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) as a nutritional supplement is a novel treatment for patients with dry eye syndrome and appears to have efficacy against the symptoms of dry eye. (Research suggests that taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement can reduce symptoms of dry eyes.)
- Dry eye syndrome has been linked to omega-3 deficiency and low levels of DHA and EPA.
- Early research has shown that vitamin D could have an association with dry eyes.
- Vitamin A (beta carotene) also supports the function of the cornea, which is the protective outer layer of the eye. A person who is deficient in vitamin A may find that their eyes produce too little moisture to stay lubricated.
Dry Eye Syndrome: Eye Friendly Nutrients:
Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients, such as lutein, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, to reduce the risk of certain eye diseases.
- Lutein: Many studies show that lutein reduces the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Vitamin C: Scientific evidence suggests vitamin C lowers the risk of developing cataracts. Also, when taken in combination with other essential nutrients, it can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and visual acuity loss.
- Vitamin E: Research indicates it protects cells in the eyes from unstable molecules called free radicals, which break down healthy tissue.
- Vitamin D: A recent study presents evidence that vitamin D may protect against the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Research shows omega-3 fatty acids are important for proper visual development and retinal function. Additionally, low levels of DHA and EPA have been associated with diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinopathy of prematurity.
- Zinc: Zinc plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc is highly concentrated in the eye, mostly in the retina and choroid, the vascular tissue layer lying under the retina.
Cataract Eye Friendly Food Equivalents:
Given the positive association between nutrition and eye health, it’s probably a good idea to incorporate these eye friendly nutrients in your daily diet. Consider the following food/supplement sources.
Lutein:
| 6mg = DAILY TARGET INTAKE* | |
| Yellow Corn | 10 cups=6mg |
| Green Peas | 2.7 cups=6mg |
| Broccoli | 4 cups=6mg |
| Vision Guard – OneLifeUSA Supplement | 1 capsule=10mg |
Vitamin C:
| 90mg = DAILY TARGET INTAKE* | |
| Papaya | 1/2 Medium=94mg |
| Orange | 1 Medium=80mg |
| Tomato Juice | 2 cups=88mg |
| Advanced AntiOxidant – OneLifeUSA Supplement | 1 capsule=300 mg |
Vitmin E:
| 15mg = DAILY TARGET INTAKE* | |
| Almonds | 1/2 cup=18.6mg |
| Sunflower Seeds | 3/4 cup=17.4mg |
| Peanut Butter | 10 tbsp=16mg |
| Advanced AntiOxidant – OneLifeUSA Supplement | 1 capsule=11.3 mg |
Vitamin D:
| 15mcg (600IU) = DAILY TARGET INTAKE* | |
| Farmed Rainbow Trout | 3.25 oz=15mcg |
| Egg (scrambled) | 14 eggs=15.4mcg |
| Cheddar Cheese | 50 oz=15mcg |
| Vitamin D3 + K2 – Brabec Basics Supplement | 1 capsule=50 mcg |
Beta Carotene:
| 10.8mg = DAILY TARGET INTAKE* | |
| Baked Sweet Potatoes | 1/2 cup=11.5mg |
| Cooked Carrots | 1 cup=13mg |
| Cooked Spinach | 1 cup=11.3mg |
| Vision Guard – OneLifeUSA Supplement | 1 capsule=37.5mg |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
| 1100mg – 1600mg = DAILY TARGET INTAKE* | |
| Salmon | 2 oz=1291mg |
| Flaxseed Oil | 2 tbsp=1452mg |
| Walnut Halves | 14=1440mg |
| Something Smells Fishy – OneLifeUSA Supplement | 1 capsule=1000mg |
Zinc:
| 8mcg – 11mg = DAILY TARGET INTAKE* | |
| Lobster | 9 oz=10.2mg |
| Chickpeas | 4 cups=10.4mg |
| Swiss Cheese | 9 oz=10.8mg |
| Zinc Lozenge – OneLifeUSA Supplement | 1 lozenge=10mg |
*Information published by:
The American Optometric Association
National Institutes of Health – National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21597374/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
Medical News Today
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315270#vitamins-for-dry-eye-syndrome
Mayo Clinic News Network
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-fish-oil-supplements-and-dry-eyes/
** Adequate Intake (AI): Intake at this level is assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy; established when evidence is insufficient to develop an RDA.