Dry Eye Syndrome

Common symptoms are: burning, sandy-gritty irritation or dryness. Scientists estimate 20-30 million people in the U.S. have some form of Dry Eye Syndrome.

Dry eyes can result from aging long-term contact lens wear, LASIK surgery, diabetes, arthritis, or a dietary deficiency of omega-3s. Symptoms increase from protracted computer use and from dry air circulated by indoor heating and air conditioning. The syndrome is caused by a decrease in tear production or increase in tear evaporation that makes the tears too “salty.”

If left untreated, you may develop more serious problems like scarring, ulcers, or an infection of the cornea. The problem is people don’t realize the seriousness of the condition and do little for treatment.

“It can be a debilitating condition and many people just sweep it under the rug by using over-the-counter drops,” says Dr. Jeffrey P. Gilbard, MD of the Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School. 

Dr. Gilbard points out that in many the condition can be effectively treated by increasing the dietary intake of omega-3s. These omega-3s are “essential fatty acids” that are scarce in the American diet. They can be obtained primarily from salmon, sardines, herring, and tuna.

However, not everyone likes fish and the FDA warns Americans not to eat tuna more than twice a week due to its high mercury content. A better choice for getting omega-3s would be salmon or anchovies, both containing lower levels of mercury.

An alternative source or omega-3 that Dr. Gilbard recommends is TheraTears Nutrition, a purified omega-3 supplement with flaxseed oil, fish oil, and vitamin E. It is an easy way to get the vital omega-3s that you need to control dry eyes.

As with any supplement consult with your healthcare practitioner.