6 Foods that Help Manage Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye is a condition characterized by a lack of lubrication in the eyes. It’s a common condition that accompanies discomfort, like stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes, sensitivity to light, eye redness, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. Thankfully, with a combination of treatments and essential foods, the condition of dry eyes can be treated. Here’s a list of home foods that help manage the symptoms of dry eyes.
- Fish, nuts, seeds
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are a great source of nutrients for dry eyes. It enhances the health of tear ducts, which in turn helps produce lubrication, soothing the inflammation. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, oysters, halibut, herring, tuna, walnuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, brussels sprouts, kale, parsley, and spinach. You can also opt for omega-3 enriched milk, yogurt, eggs, and soymilk. Choose to cook in palm oil and soybean oil to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. - Leafy greens
Most Leafy greens are rich in vitamin C and folate, which is highly beneficial for patients with dry eyes. Both antioxidants help combat damage caused by aging and curb the signs of vision loss. Leafy greens rich in vitamin C and folate are kale, collards, and spinach. - Beans
If you’re a vegetarian, beans make for an excellent substitute for proteins found in meat. They’re also packed with fiber, folate, and zinc that make it a tremendously well-balanced diet. Zinc is a nutrient that enhances melanin production, which protects the eyes from sun damage and various conditions. Zinc treats as well as prevents dry eye condition. - Bananas, sweet potatoes, potatoes, soybeans
These foods are rich in potassium, one of the key components that comprise tear film, which covers the exposed cornea. Many studies reveal that low levels of potassium are associated with weaker tear film; hence, it’s highly recommended to include foods rich in potassium to maintain the film’s thickness. - Antioxidants
Free radical damage is one of the causes of dry eyes, and studies suggest that antioxidants help fight them, which eventually slows the process of oxidation. Foods rich in antioxidants are dark in color, and they include spinach, kale, collard greens, acai berries, goji berries, and blueberries. As for beverages, green tea is packed with an antioxidant called catechins, which has anti-inflammatory properties. - Water
Hydration is the most significant part of dry eye condition. A well-hydrated body promotes healthy tear production, which is what’s needed to treat this condition. Drinking adequate water is especially important if you live in a dry or hot environment, as it can be more challenging for your body to be hydrated. Staying hydrated has many other benefits, so gradually increase your intake of water.
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