Our eyes are an incredibly unique and important part of the body—they’re one of the primary means through which we connect and communicate with the world around us. However, they’re also exposed to a range of factors that can be detrimental to their comfort, functionality, and overall health. Environmental elements, such as grit, sand, wind, dust, and pollen, can irritate them, and our ever-increasing reliance on screens and digital devices, can also impact them negatively.
In this blog, we shine a light on all things dry eyes—what causes them, possible remedies to prevent or alleviate them, supplements that could help you, and other helpful tips to maintain your overall eye health.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated, or when your tears struggle to maintain adequate moisture levels. Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and if left unmanaged, can lead to long-term damage and vision problems.
Symptoms of dry eye include:
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Sore or gritty eyes
- Eye redness
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision or tired eyes
- Sensitivity to light
What causes dry eye?
There are several factors that can cause dry eyes, including environmental factors such as pollution, dust, smoke, pollen or even air conditioning. We also tend to blink less frequently when we spend time on digital devices with screens, drying out our eyes further.
We can also be at risk of developing dry eye symptoms due to age (we produce less tears as we get older), or from taking medications that may cause dry eyes, dehydration or dryness as a side effect.
How can I treat dry eyes?
For an effective and soothing relief of dry eyes, follow this simple 3-step regime:
Heat + Soothe your eyes with Opti-Soothe® Moist Heat Mask
Moist heat therapy applied 10 minutes every day for two weeks improves both tear function and ocular surface status and decreases symptoms. By applying heat to the eye area, the oil in the meibomian glands loosens and debris on the eyelashes soften. This allows the oils to flow more freely over the eye and prevents evaporation of the natural tear film. Moisture will then be restored to the eye.
Cleanse + Soothe with Opti-Soothe° Preservative-Free Eyelid Wipes
These preservative-free eyelid wipes contain a unique and gentle formulation of tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid, which, when combined with the soothing properties of chamomile and aloe vera, are ideal for daily eyelid hygiene.
Hydrate + Protect with Preservative-Free Eye Drops
HYLO-FRESH and HYLO-FORTE eye drops are preservative-free and contain pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate which provides long-lasting lubrication to dry eyes that are experiencing severe and persistent dryness. They are compatible with contact lenses and are also phosphate free.
NOVATEARS and NOVA TEARS + OMEGA3 eye drops are preservative-free eye drops that provide relief from evaporative dry eye symptoms. NovaTears helps to stabilise the lipid layer of the tear film (that protects your eyes from tear evaporation and dryness), prevents evaporation of tears and restores and increase lipid layer thickness
Are there supplements that can help with dry eyes?
In addition to eye drops, there are also supplements that can help support eye health and relieve dry eyes. Herbs of Gold Sea Buckthorn Oil contains Omegia™, a high-grade, sustainably sourced, patented sea buckthorn oil that provides a balanced profile of omega-3, 6, 7 and 9 fatty acids which are essential in the maintenance of skin hydration and health, and can help in the relief of dry eyes.
Sea buckthorn oil can stimulate the eye’s natural lubrication response and can significantly relieve burning, irritating symptoms.
If you are interested in learning more about Herbs of Gold Sea Buckthorn Oil, check out our special feature blog!
A holistic approach is the best means of caring for your eyes. In addition to supplements, we recommend considering the following strategies to alleviate or prevent dry eyes:
- Avoid strong airflow directly towards the face and eyes (for instance, from air conditioners, fans, and blow-dryers). Air humidity outside of 30-50 percent can exacerbate dry eye;
- Wear protective eye wear to avoid direct contact with wind, hot air, direct sunlight, smoke and other irritants. Also consider using eye shades to sleep if you find yourself waking up with dry eyes;
- Use a humidifier at home or at work;
- Use air purifiers in the home or office to clean and filter out allergens that trigger dry eye symptoms;
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated;
- Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish (salmon, trout, tuna, sardines and mackerel), walnuts, flaxseeds, palm oil, eggs, vegetable oil (soybean and canola) and chia seeds;
- Avoid eye strain by taking breaks from your computer screen or other screen devices. Aim to give your eyes a break at least every 20 minutes.
After reading this blog, give your eyes some love with a break from your device, a warm compress, and some moisturising eye drops. Pop into your nearest WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods and speak with your pharmacist to discuss which product and treatment plan is right for you. Always read the labels and follow the directions for use. If your symptoms persist or are causing concern, speak to your health professional for further investigation.
REFERENCES
healthdirect (2022), Dry eye disease, healthdirect. <https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dry-eye-disease>.
Lazarus R (2021), 8 Top Natural Ways to Stop Dry Eyes, Optometrists Network. <https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/8-top-natural-ways-to-stop-dry-eyes/>.
My Dry Eyes (n.d.), What is Dry Eye, AFT Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. <https://mydryeyes.com.au/about/>.
National Eye Institute (2022), Dry Eye, National Eye Institute. <https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye#:~:text=What%20is%20dry%20eye%3F,can%20also%20cause%20vision%20problems>.
Sea Buckthorn Insider (2012), Sea Buckthorn and Dry Eye Relief, Sea Buckthorn Insider. <https://www.seabuckthorninsider.com/health-benefits/dry-eye/>.
