Dry Eye,Eye Health,Featured,What's New

Colorful flat lay of assorted tropical fruits including pineapple, berries, and citrus.

The continuous evolving field of ocular health research has uncovered compelling insights into how nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing dry eye symptoms. This natural, holistic approach complements traditional and interventional therapies while offering new avenues for relief from discomfort.

Understanding Nutrition-Dry Eye Connection

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is caused by insufficient tear production or accelerated tear evaporation, resulting in ocular surface discomfort.1 While over-the-counter artificial tears and prescription medications remain initial treatments to combat this ocular surface discomfort, emerging evidence strongly supports the role of targeted dietary interventions in alleviating symptoms and promoting ocular health.

Key Nutrients

Essential omega-3 fats, found in fatty fish (salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, help combat inflammation and enhance tear stability. Studies emphasize their role in reducing dry eye symptoms and regulating inflammatory mediators responsible for tear film stability.2

Crucial for maintaining the health of mucous membranes and epithelial integrity, vitamin A is an essential nutrient for tear production.3 Studies demonstrate demonstrate how deficiencies can lead to corneal dryness, and supplementation improves conjunctival goblet cell density thereby improving tear film stability. Foods rich in vitamin A includes carrots and leafy greens.4

Emerging research links vitamin D deficiency with impaired tear osmolarity and inflammation in DES patients. Incorporating sunlight exposure or supplements can complement other treatments.5

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E protect ocular tissues from oxidative stress, reducing symptom severity. These are naturally present in carrots, citrus fruits, and nuts, making them indispensable in eye-supportive diets.6,7

This essential mineral supports retinal function and tear film stability. Zinc also aids in the transportation of vitamin A from the liver to the eyes, ensuring optimal mucous membrane health. Foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, pumpkin seeds, and lentils, provide critical support for eye health.8,9

Proper hydration is fundamental for tear production. Ensuring an adequate daily intake of water, based on individual needs and activity levels, is vital for maintaining a healthy tear film.

Evidence-Based Recommendations

Nutraceuticals, including omega-3 fatty acids, have proven benefits in lowering inflammation and enhancing tear film properties.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in these nutrients and offers a structured framework for dietary interventions.10,11

Practical steps to incorporating these nutrients into your daily routine doesn’t have to be daunting. Start by two servings of fatty fish weekly, opt for colourful vegetables and berries, and consider supplements if natural sources fall short. Staying hydrated ensures a robust foundation for managing symptoms.

Transformative Impact on a Balanced Diet

Eye care is not limited to medical treatments. A holistic approach including nutrient-rich diet integrated with traditional therapies, offers better long-term management of DES. Consulting with healthcare professionals ensures tailored interventions that align with individual needs.

As research continues to uncover the links between nutrition and dry eye management, it becomes increasingly clear that what we eat plays a significant role in our ocular health. By focusing on specific dietary strategies – rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (vitamin C & E), zinc, vitamins A & D, and hydration – patients with dry eye can take proactive steps towards improving their symptoms and overall eye health.

For more information about managing dry eyes through nutrition or other treatment options available at North Toronto Eye Care, feel free to reach out or consult with an eye care professional!

Email: [email protected]

References

  1. Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):276-283. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.008
  2. O’Byrne C, O’Keeffe M. Omega‐3 fatty acids in the management of dry eye disease—an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis. Acta Ophthalmol. 2022;101(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.15255
  3. Alanazi SA, El-Hiti GA, Al-Baloud AA, et al. Effects of short-term oral vitamin A supplementation on the ocular tear film in patients with dry eye. Clin Ophthalmol.
  4. Diao Y, Deng A, Wang J, Hong J. Vitamin A palmitate eye gel improves the density of conjunctival goblet cells and the production of mucin-5 subtype AC in rabbits with dry eye syndrome. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2017;10(2017). doi:https://e-century.us/files/ijcem/10/12/ijcem0057229.pdf
  5. Kizilgul M, Kan S, Ozcelik O, et al. Vitamin D replacement improves tear osmolarity in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Sem Ophthalmol. 2017;33(5):589–594. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/08820538.2017.1358752
  6. Gatell–Tortajada J. Oral supplementation with a nutraceutical formulation containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a large series of patients with dry eye symptoms: Results of a prospective study. Clinical Interv Aging. 2016;571-578. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s98102
  7. Pinazo-Duran M, Galbis-Estrada C, Pons-Vázquez S, et al. Effects of a nutraceutical formulation based on the combination of antioxidants and & omega-3 essential fatty acids in the expression of inflammation and immune response mediators in tears from patients with Dry Eye Disorders. Clinical Interv Aging. 2013;8:139-148.
  8. Perényi K, Dienes L, Kornafeld A, et al. The Effect of Tear Supplementation with 0.15% Preservative-Free Zinc-Hyaluronate on Ocular Surface Sensations in Patients with Dry Eye. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2017;33(6):487-492. doi:10.1089/jop.2016.0194
  9. Smith JC Jr, McDaniel EG, Fan FF, Halsted JA. Zinc: a trace element essential in vitamin A metabolism. Science. 1973;181(4103):954-5. doi:10.1126/science.181.4103.954
  10. Ismail AM, El-Azeim AS, Saif HF. Effect of aerobic exercise alone or combined with Mediterranean diet on dry eye in obese hypertensive elderly. Ir J Med Sci. 2023;192(6):3151–3161. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03387-6
  11. Bédard A, Riverin M, Dodin S, et al. Sex differences in the impact of the Mediterranean diet on Cardiovascular Risk Profile. Br J Nutr. 2012;108(8):1428–1434. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114511006969