Ways to Naturally Alleviate Dry Eye Symptoms

Over the last ten years, dry eye disease has become more prevalent due to reasons such as an aging population, increased screen time, and the decline of the American diet.

Fortunately, researchers have been working on new solutions that do not depend on pharmaceutical treatments. Here are some steps you can take to tackle dry eye...

What exactly is dry eye disease (DED)? While it might seem like a simple question, the answer is quite intricate.

"It is now seen as an epidemic," said Stephanie Marioneaux, an eye specialist from Chesapeake, Virginia, in 2013. Dry eye used to mainly affect women after menopause, but now it affects individuals of all ages and genders.

Tears are made up of three layers: an oily outer layer from the meibomian gland, a watery middle layer from the lacrimal gland, and an inner mucus layer from various glands and cells. These layers combine to form the tear film.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

In 1995, DED was defined as a disorder of the tear film caused by either inadequate tear production or excessive tear evaporation. Regardless of the cause, this condition harms the eye's surface, leading to discomfort.

Initially considered a single disease, the definition was expanded in 2007 to include symptoms of visual disturbance. Further modifications occurred in 2017 when experts redefined DED as a range of diseases.

DED is now recognized as a complex disease of the eye's surface, involving issues like tear film instability, excessive tear evaporation, inflammation, and abnormalities in neural pathways within the nervous system.

Before the revised definition, there was no standardized way to diagnose based on symptoms, and no single validated test or combination of tests to confirm dry eye.

Diagnosis often includes examining the eye's surface using a slit lamp, which offers a magnified view of the eye's surface, eyelids, and surrounding areas. Additionally, dye drops are used to assess the tear film and identify areas of damage.

Despite these tests, the diagnosis of dry eye may not always match a patient's symptoms. As a result, the prevalence of dry eye is estimated to be between 5% and 50% globally, with 16.4 million adults in the U.S. diagnosed and an additional six million experiencing symptoms without an official diagnosis.

Widespread Impact of Dry Eye

Dry eye problems are more common in older adults due to hormonal changes that reduce tear production. Women after menopause are particularly susceptible to experiencing dry eye symptoms.

Irritating dry eye symptoms are reported not only in the aging population but also in young people. Dry eye symptoms are experienced by 25% of high school students and 30-65% of office workers.

Common symptoms of dry eye include:

·       Stinging and burning sensation

·       Scratchy or gritty feeling in the eye

·       Itching

·       Redness

·       Stringy mucus around the eye

·       Blurred vision, especially during reading

·       Excessive tearing

These symptoms can disrupt daily activities like reading, watching TV, driving, and working, potentially leading to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

While the exact cause of dry eye is not entirely understood, various factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing it, including:

·       Contact lenses

·       Increased screen time

·       Environmental factors like air pollution and low humidity

·       Hormonal imbalances

·       Medications affecting tear film composition

·       Deficiency in essential fatty acids

Potential for Those Affected

The positive news is that common causes of dry eye can be modified, providing hope for relief. By addressing specific factors like contact lens usage, screen time, indoor air quality, hormonal equilibrium, and diet, individuals can alleviate dry eye symptoms.

An essential factor that affects both eye health and general well-being is diet.

Eye specialists suggest that supplementing with essential fatty acids may be beneficial for dry eye conditions. Increasing the intake of alpha-linolenic acid, found in nuts and seeds, while decreasing consumption of processed foods high in unhealthy fats, can promote eye surface health.

Additionally, vitamin A is crucial for maintaining mucous layer components on the eye surface, improving eye health.

Approaches for Dry Eye

While lubricating or anti-inflammatory eye drops are common remedies for dry eye, not all individuals respond favorably to these options, and some may experience irritation. Alternative treatments include:

·       Hyaluronic acid: Retains water and supports eye hydration.

·       Trehalose: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and promotes eye health.

·       Manuka honey and royal jelly: Offer potential benefits in managing dry eye symptoms.

·       Acupuncture: Combined with lubricating eye drops, acupuncture can be effective in treating dry eye.

For individuals with meibomian gland dysfunction, therapies like vector thermal pulsation and intense pulsed light therapy are available to clear gland obstructions and improve oil flow.

Moreover, a plant native to Chile shows promise as a natural remedy for dry eye.

Maqui Berry for Dry Eye Relief

Aristotelia chilensis, known as maqui berry, possesses antioxidant-rich properties and potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have indicated that a standardized maqui berry extract can alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Research on Japanese participants showed increased tear fluid volume and reduced dry eye symptoms after taking the extract. Subsequent studies confirmed its benefits in enhancing tear production and easing eye fatigue.

A recent study in India revealed that patients consuming maqui berry extract reported fewer eye problems, increased moisture production, and reduced eye inflammation.

Supplements for Dry Eye

Today, individuals dealing with dry eyes have a variety of treatment options to choose from.

Combining natural lubricating and anti-inflammatory eye drops with a maqui berry supplement can provide effective relief for dry eye symptoms. This comprehensive approach can help rejuvenate tired eyes, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall eye health.

Best wishes,
The Team