If you regularly feel a gritty, scratchy, or burning sensation in your eyes, you’re not alone. Dry eye is a common condition that affects many people, especially in Alberta, where the air is quite dry. While there are many reasons your eyes might feel this way, what you eat may play a role in your eye comfort.
There are many possible treatments for dry eye. Often, starting with daily habits, such as screen time, diet, and lifestyle, is a good place to begin, as it can help your optometrist work with you to find an approach that can make your eyes feel more comfortable. Incorporating certain vitamins and minerals in your day-to-day diet can be a helpful step for some in managing dry eye disease. Dry eye can be uncomfortable, but specific vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids can support your body’s ability to produce quality tears and maintain a healthy eye surface.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
Feeling more comfortable may begin with recognizing the signs of dry eye disease when they happen to you. You might experience anything from one to all of these feelings, and they can range from mild to very distracting. Common symptoms can include:
- A stinging or burning feeling in your eyes
- The sense that something is in your eyes
- Red or irritated eyes
- Watery eyes, which are the body’s response to irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
The Link Between Vitamins and Eye Health
Many of the systems in your body need a variety of vitamins to function properly, and your eyes are no exception. An insufficient amount of certain nutrients may contribute to that dry, uncomfortable feeling.
The Role of Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps protect the cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye). Vitamin A helps to keep your eyes lubricated and damp, which is often one of the main sensations people with dry eye mention feeling as though they’re lacking.
Vitamin D and Eye Health
Some research suggests a connection between Vitamin D and eye comfort. This vitamin may help reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye, which can soothe the irritation sometimes linked to dryness.
The Impact of B Vitamins
Vitamin B12 is another nutrient that can support the health of the eye’s surface. It plays a part in nerve health, which is important for your eyes. Although it may not relieve symptoms of dry eye on its own, it is an essential part of a balanced diet for many of the body’s systems.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Dry Eye
You may have heard about omega-3s for heart or brain health, but they are also a popular choice for people with dry eye. These healthy fats can be a key part of a balanced diet that supports overall wellness. This includes your vision.
How Omega-3s Work
Omega-3s can encourage the meibomian glands lining your eyes that produce the oil layer of your tears. A better oil layer means your tears don’t evaporate as quickly. This helps keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Sources of Omega-3
You can find omega-3s in foods like salmon, tuna, flaxseed, and walnuts. If you don’t eat these foods often, a fish oil supplement is another option, though it’s important to discuss its potential benefits and options with your optometrist.
What to Expect from Supplements
Supplements can be a helpful tool to support your eye health from the inside out. However, every person’s body is different, so results can vary. It’s about finding what works for you and complements your overall health routine.
What to Look for in a Supplement
When considering omega-3 supplements, pay attention to the amounts of EPA and DHA (types of omega-3 fatty acids). For vitamins, check the form and dosage to see if it fits your needs. If you have any questions or are unsure about what could be a good fit for you, talk to your optometrist. They can offer you specific recommendations based on your individual needs.
Patience and Consistency
It can take weeks or even months to notice a difference after you start a new supplement routine. Consistency is key, as it gives your body time to respond.
Professional Advice and Daily Habits
When dealing with constant dry eye, professional guidance can be extremely helpful. Our optometrists are trained to offer a range of suggestions to help you find relief.
A Complete Eye Exam
An eye exam is more than just a vision test. Our optometrists can perform specific tests to look at your tear quality and quantity. This can help figure out the cause of your dry eye symptoms.
Beyond Supplements
A complete approach often involves more than one method of treatment. Based on your exam, optometrists might recommend specific over-the-counter eye drops, lifestyle adjustments, or other in-office services in addition to nutritional support. Because there are many causes of dry eye, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
Simple Habits to Soothe Your Eyes
A few daily habits can also make a big difference in how your eyes feel. Drinking plenty of water helps support healthy tear production, and making a point to blink often helps spread tears across your eye, especially when on screens or reading for a long time. Applying a warm compress at home or using a humidifier can also add moisture to the air, which helps to reduce irritation.
Talk to an Optometrist About Dry Eye
Supplements like omega-3s and key vitamins can be a positive step toward managing dry eye discomfort. They work alongside healthy habits and professional care to support your overall eye wellness. Our experienced staff aims to find the right combination for your needs. At Visionary Eye Centre, we’re here to provide personalized guidance for your eye health. We don’t turn people away: Same-day appointments are available so that we can help you explore your options for lasting comfort. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, we want to help. We invite you to schedule an appointment with our team in Sherwood Park and Edmonton to discuss your vision needs with one of our optometrists.
