Dry eye is a common ailment. It can be caused by allergies, the weather, aging or environmental irritants such as smoke. Chronic dry eye usually indicates an underlying problem such as lupus, vitamin deficiencies or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment of dry eye is widely varied, but can include surgery for more serious cases, eye drops, medication or a change in diet.
Identification
Dry eye is defined as insufficient moisture or lubrication in the eye or in the features that protect the eye. According to the Mayo Clinic, dry eye can also result from inadequate tear production or poor quality of tears. Dry eye is very uncomfortable, often giving the feeling that there is a foreign object in the eye. This can cause redness, inflammation or irritation. According to the Eye Care Source website, chronic dry eye is a recurring decrease in tear production or a minimization of tears.
Tears
Tears have three layers: oil, water and mucous. Together they help to wash away dust from the eyes, soothe the eye, defend against infections and provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, according to the Eye Care Source website. The inner layer of the eye is made up of mucous, to help spread tears evenly over the eye. The middle layer is mostly water, a little salt, and cleanses the eye, washing away irritants. The outer layer is oil, which slows the evaporation of the water in the middle layer.
Nutrition
Nutrition can play a role in treating or preventing dry eye. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals will help to keep the body functioning properly, eyes included. Food or supplements containing vitamin A, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, potassium, flax seed and essential fatty acids can help to deter dry eye. Drinking plenty of water to keep the body hydrated is recommended as well, since as the body ages, you produce less tears.
Effects
A severe deficiency in vitamin A results in dry eye syndrome, which can lead to blindness, according to the Natural Eye Care website. This vitamin is needed for all epithelial tissues and is found in the tear film of healthy eyes. It also plays an important role in the mucous layer of tears. Vitamin B-6 helps to absorb magnesium, which helps the body to produce a hormone needed for the production of tears. Potassium and vitamin C prevent dry eye, the latter is also found in the tear film. Essential fatty acids, found in fish, nuts and vegetable oil, contribute to both the water and oil layer of the tear.
Considerations
The Natural Eye Care website advises that those who suffer from dry eye should avoid sugar and sweeteners, as these substances increase the risk for dry eye. Toxic fats, such as hydrogenated oil, also increase the risk for dry eye by inhibiting the metabolism of the essential fatty acids.
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