Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A number of population studies have suggested that a diet low in omega-3 fatty acids is a risk factor for dry eye disease. (Source)
In one small randomized, double-blind clinical trial the benefits of omega-3s were clearly indicated: “This study demonstrated that oral consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA twice daily for 30 days) is associated with a decrease in the rate of tear evaporation, an improvement in dry eye symptoms, and an increase in tear secretion.” (Source)
Another study found that “omega-3 fatty acids may effectively improve tear film characteristics, reverse ocular surface features, and alleviate the subjective symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes”. (Source)
One product tested, in yet another study, was a combination of fish oil (450 mg EPA/300 mg DHA), 1,000 mg flax oil, and 183 IU of vitamin E, which improved dry eye symptoms and increased salivary gland secretion in patients with dry eye and dry mouth associated with Sjogren’s syndrome. (Source)
Finally, I have a study that compared regular fish oil to krill oil, which is unique in being a phospholipid form of fatty acid.
This study concluded that krill oil was superior to regular fish oil: “A moderate daily dose of both forms of long-chain ω-3 EFAs, for 3 months, resulted in reduced tear osmolarity and increased tear stability in people with DED. Omega-3 EFAs in a predominantly phospholipid form (krill oil) may confer additional therapeutic benefit, with improvements in DED symptoms and lower basal tear levels of interleukin 17A, relative to placebo.” (Source) (NutriKrill)
Vitamin E
Although it does not appear a deficiency in vitamin E will result in dry eye, vitamin E is often used in medical products designed to treat the symptoms of dry eye, as it stimulates new cell growth to fix superficial defects of the cornea.
While I could not find much in the way of direct studies on vitamin E and dry eye syndrome, it is a powerful antioxidant that will protect the eyes, and at least one study found that omega-3 fatty acids were more effective at treating this condition when combined with antioxidants. Study
Royal Jelly
This superfood, derived from bees, is a rather obscure thing to associate with helping to treat dry eyes, but in Japan a clinical study showed it to effectively alleviate symptoms of dry eye in both humans and rats. Unfortunately, it could be expensive since the human subjects were given 1200 mg of Royal Jelly, six times per day. However, in such studies, there is only one potential cure offered to the subjects so, since we are looking at combining a variety of beneficial elements, simply adding a more moderate amount of royal jelly may support positive results as part of a program. Study
OXIDATIVE STRESS
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, oxidative stress (i.e. free radical damage) can be a causative effect of dry eye syndrome. So it is essential that we keep our intake of antioxidants high, the most important ones being the “ACES”: vitamins A, C, E, and selenium. (For those just seeking to prevent this condition our NutriPods contain a reasonable daily dose of ACES, along with omega-3 fatty acids. For those with the condition, we would add more vitamins A and C and extra omega-3s.)
After ensuring that we have the basic nutritive antioxidant bases covered, we can look at supportive ones. Two of the most powerful ancillary antioxidant compounds are Turmeric extracts and Resveratrol. And there are clinical studies that show both these antioxidant compounds to also be specific to eye health. Below I will look at a couple of examples (more can be found by using the search engine at PubMed.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
“In vitro and in vivo research made progress in studying the beneficial effects of curcumin on major anterior segment eye diseases, including anti-angiogenesis effect in corneal diseases; anti-inflammation or anti-allergy effects in dry eye disease, conjunctivitis…anti-oxidative stress, anti-osmotic stress, anti-lipid peroxidation…sequestrating free radicals, protein modification and degradation effects in cataracts; neuroprotective effects in glaucoma. Curcumin exhibited to be a potent therapeutic candidate for treating those anterior segment eye diseases.” Study
Resveratrol
“In this review we focus our attention on the current scientific literature regarding to the effects of resveratrol on cataracts and other ocular diseases, along with its potential mechanism/s of action. A large number of preclinical studies support the involvement of resveratrol in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases induced by oxidative stress and inflammation, such as age-related cataract.” Study
“Oxidative stress and inflammation play a critical role in the initiation and progression of age-related ocular diseases (glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration) that lead to progressive loss of vision and blindness. In vitro and in vivo (animal model) experimental studies performed so far have provided evidence for the biological effects of resveratrol on numerous pathways including oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, pro-survival or angiogenesis that are implicated in the pathogenesis of these age-related ocular disorders.” Study
Castor Oil
In the past few years a folk-remedy for cataracts has become popular. This approach involves putting a drop of castor oil into the eyes before bed. This is something I’m discussing here because I found a clinical study suggesting that the idea is not completely bonkers: Therapeutic potential of castor oil in managing blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye.
Here is what this study had to say about castor oil and the eyes: “Castor oil is deemed safe and tolerable, with strong anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, analgesic, antioxidant, wound healing and vaso-constrictive properties. Its main constituent, ricinoleic acid, has a bipolar molecular structure that promotes the formation of esters, amides and polymers. These can supplement deficient physiological tear film lipids, enabling enhanced lipid spreading characteristics and reducing aqueous tear evaporation. Studies reveal that castor oil applied topically to the ocular surface has a prolonged residence time, facilitating increased tear film lipid layer thickness, stability, improved ocular surface staining and symptoms.”
Nonetheless, I am not suggesting one do this without much more research, and if they do try castor oil in such a manner, ensure that it is an organic product. One approach that I personally use, which is much safer to contemplate, is to put a drop of castor oil on the eyelid before bed, rubbing it in well. This is rumored to “brighten” the eyes and I have found that it does seem to be of benefit to my vision. (I also mix about 25% DMSO into the castor oil, as it helps it to penetrate the skin more efficiently.)
(For more on the subject of castor oil have a read of this older blog of mine: Healing With Castor Oil.)
Further Reading
For those who have yet to read my blog entitled “How 3 Nutrients Can Heal Most Ailments”, and who are seeking to treat dry eye syndrome, I would suggest they also read through this material since it will contribute to healing this problem (along with many other health conditions). Those three nutrients, vitamins A and D, and iodine all work to maintain and rebuild mucosal membranes and lining in the body, and this article will give recommended doses of each.
Interestingly, while I have referred to clinical studies on using vitamins A and D for dry eye, the third component I recommend in the “How 3 Nutrients…” blog, iodine, has been used medically to treat this condition, in an ionic solution applied topically to the eyes. (Do not try this with any over the counter iodine liquid.) While such a solution may not be commonly available, it does tell us that iodine is part of the equation. (Study)
Furthermore, the same study I am referring to also mentions vitamin B12 eye drops. Again, not something commonly available, but it did lead me to search PubMed for any link between B12 deficiency and dry eye. And wouldn’t you know…
“These findings indicate that vitamin B12 deficiency is related with NOP (neuropathic ocular pain). It may be important to consider measuring the serum vitamin B12 level in patients with severe DED (dry eye disease)presenting with resistant ocular pain despite taking topical treatment.” (Study)
Therefore, one may consider adding a good vitamin B12 product (methylcobalamin) to their dry eye regimen.
(Author: All newsletters and blogs are written by Ken Peters who has worked as a nutritional consultant for the last 30 years, and as product designer for NutriStart for the last 25 years. He has also authored two books - Health Secrets Vol. 1&2. He may be reached at: kenpetersconsulting@gmail.com)