Do you suffer from dry eyes? It can be highly uncomfortable and even painful, but fortunately, there are certain foods that you can eat to help relieve the symptoms. Eating the right types of food can help to improve your eye health and provide much-needed relief.
In this article, we'll discuss the different types of food to eat to help relieve dry eyes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Adding more omega-3s to your diet may help improve your dry eye symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and can promote the moistening of the eyes and help boost tear production.
Eating foods high in omega-3s, such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, or taking a supplement could help relieve dry eyes. Omega-3s are available as supplements or found naturally in foods such as:
- Fatty fish like trout, salmon, sardines, and mackerel
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Chia seeds
- Seaweed and algae
Caffeine
Caffeine is found naturally in coffee, tea, and other sources. When consumed, it can make people feel more alert and awake. Caffeine can also have a mild diuretic effect, which may cause an increased urge to urinate. Despite this, research has suggested that caffeine can also help produce tears, which may help reduce dry eye symptoms.
Vitamin C
Also called ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps protect cells and maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, and bones. Foods high in vitamin C include:
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
- Brussels sprouts
- Leafy green vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a nutrient that helps protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules. It can be obtained from natural sources like vegetable oils, nuts, and green vegetables. This nutrient has several beneficial effects, such as reducing oxidative stress and protecting from certain diseases.
Vitamin E helps keep our eyes healthy by shielding the retinas from damage and helping to maintain the lubrication of the tears that coat the eyes.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is necessary for good vision and to keep our eyes healthy. If we don't get enough of this vitamin, it can cause us to have difficulties seeing in the dark and irritated eyes. Fortunately, it is not a common problem in places with access to various foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, that are high in Vitamin A.
Eating foods that are high in vitamin A, or taking a multivitamin that contains this nutrient, may help relieve the discomfort of dry eye disease and improve the quality of tears produced.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a special type of fat-soluble vitamin that is created in the body when exposed to sunlight. A lack of vitamin D can occur in certain areas where the sun is not always out or when individuals are careful to protect their skin from the sun's rays.
Conclusion
Various nutritious foods can help to relieve dry eyes. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and flaxseed, can help reduce inflammation and the risk of dry eyes. Eating foods with vitamins A and C, such as dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, and bell peppers, can help to improve eye health and prevent dry eyes.
Want to learn more about dry eye remedies? Dry Eye Shop is here for you! We are a specialty eye care provider specializing in dry eye syndrome. You can count on us to provide complete treatment and prevention for dry, itchy eyes. Get in touch with us today for more details.
