Dry eye is an eye condition that occurs if your eye does not have the proper surface lubrication to protect and nourish the eye's surface. Some people may not produce enough tears, but others may produce tears that do not have the right consistency to adequately cover or nourish the eye. Even with artificial tears, many people still experience problems with dry eye, and many talk with their doctor about supplements such as turmeric to help the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dry eye include surface irritation, redness, excessive tearing, pain, eye fatigue and periods of blurry vision. Inflammation on the surface of the eye may also result from dry eye, and this could lead to scarring or other damage to your cornea, the clear dome that covers the front of your eye. Dry eye inflammation could lead to significant vision changes if corneal scarring occurs.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, the active ingredient that may have medicinal properties. The herb or turmeric extract cannot treat dry eye, but the curcumin component of turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation associated with dry eye. If you have inflammation, you may wish to talk with your doctor about the potential benefits of using turmeric to reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Dosage
The amount of turmeric you should take will vary, and your doctor can help you determine the amount you require. She will consider your health and the medications you use, as well as the severity of your condition. An average dose of the standard curcumin powder may range from between 400 to 600 mg three times daily, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your doctor may recommend you take turmeric in a different form, such as in root form, dried, or as a tincture or fluid extract.
Considerations
Do not take turmeric unless directed by your doctor. Turmeric may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes medications or medications to reduce stomach acid, reports UMMC. Your doctor will evaluate your health history, and if he does not recommend turmeric, he will help you find another treatment alternative.
