Herbs or vitamins for dry eyes can make life more enjoyable by increasing your comfort level, vision acuity and normalizing any tear gland abnormality, the Mayo Clinic says. The purpose of these natural remedies is to increase your tear production and provide lubrication for your eyes to operate at their optimum level. You can gain relief through eating foods high in certain nutrients, or through supplements.
Vitamin-Rich Omega-3 fatty acids
According to the Mayo Clinic, the nutrient-rich fatty acids found in omega-3 may be of assistance to your dry eyes. Fish oil, or krill oil, have been found to decrease the symptoms of dry eyes, says Dr. Ray Sahelian, an eye specialist. Most notably, the fatty acids have been found to decrease inflammation as well as stimulate tear secretion in patients, according to eyeworld.org. Omega-3 fatty acids are the unsaturated fats found in fatty fish. You can eat omega-3 fatty acids by enjoying fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna and/or trout. If you don't like eating fish, these beneficial antioxidants can be bought in supplement form via capsule or liquid. You can also find omega-3 added to a variety of foods such as cereals and yogurts. In addition to fish oil being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil contains rich amounts, the Mayo Clinic says.
Bilberry
Bilberry is an herb known for its beneficial effects upon the overall health of your eyes. It helps by improving the blood circulation throughout your eye's capillaries, according to eyeworld.org. The active ingredient in bilberry is anthocyanin, which is a flavonoid and antioxidant that helps increase the blood circulation throughout your eye. Anthocyanins also helps diminish the symptoms of dry eye by protecting your retina. Bilberry can be purchased as a supplement in capsule form or in powdered form through a natural foods marketplace (or health aides/vitamin section of a supermarket).
Eyebright
Eyebright is an antioxidant-rich herb that contains astringent and antibiotic properties. These properties are known for tightening membranes and improving eye circulation, says eyeworld.org. Eyebright is rich in vitamins C, A and tannins, which can help reduce inflammation and the symptoms of dry eyes. Find eyebright in your natural healing section of a department store or pharmacy.
Lutein
According to Dr. Ray Sahalien, eye specialist at raysahalien.com, lutein may help with dry eye symptoms. Lutein contains the antioxidant-rich carotenoids including beta carotene and alpha carotene, which have long been used for improving overall eye health circulation, the doctor says. Once ingested, lutein converts to vitamin A. Buy lutein in capsule form in your natural healing section of a department store or pharmacy.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant-rich source necessary for vision health, eyehealth.org says. It's required for our retinas to operate properly. Two sources of dietary vitamin A include retinoids and carotenoids. These sources are mainly found in fruits and vegetables containing bright colors and beta-carotene (as found in carrots, mangos, green peppers and spinach). You can also buy vitamin A in capsule form in the vitamin section at the grocery store. Vitamin A helps keep our eyes moistened, helps them adjust to light changes and increases night vision capabilities.
