Dry eye syndrome is a condition that causes discomfort and irritation on the surface of your eyes. Your eyes might appear red and feel tired or sensitive to light, and you also might experience excessive watering or have a stringy discharge. To aid in resolving dry eye problems, some people turn to lutein since this nutrient might help prevent other eye conditions. However, lutein does not have any known effects in treating dry eye syndrome.
Lutein
Lutein is a pigment found in many foods, such as leafy, green vegetables. The antioxidant properties of this nutrient might help prevent eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. As of 2011, research does not indicate that lutein can treat or prevent the symptoms of dry eye. If you have dry eye symptoms, your doctor might recommend a diet rich in lutein to help prevent macular degeneration or other eye conditions.
Dry Eye
Dry eye can occur if you do not produce enough tears to lubricate your eyes. You also might have dry eye syndrome if you have problems with your tear film. This film consists of three layers: a mucous layer, a water layer and an oil layer. If any one of these portions of the tear is out of balance, the tears cannot function and lubricate your eyes properly.
Omega-3
Even though lutein will not provide benefits for dry eye, you might want to talk to your doctor about other supplements and alternative treatments for dry eye. She might recommend omega-3 fatty acids because the anti-inflammatory properties might help relieve redness and irritation. If you and your doctor determine omega-3 might help you, she might recommend a fish oil capsules or flaxseed oil capsules to ensure that you have the correct amount of omega-3 each day. The dosage will vary, and your doctor will inform you how much you need each day.
Considerations
Prior to starting a supplement with lutein or other nutrients, discuss the possible complications and interactions with your doctor. Foods such as dark green, leafy vegetables that provide a rich source of lutein contain additional nutrients that might affect the clotting properties of your blood. If you have a blood condition or take blood thinning medications, your doctor might recommend a particular dietary plan for lutein and other nutrient-rich foods.
