Natural Remedies for dry eye

Omega 3
Flaxseed oil

*Vitamin A
Dry eye syndrome can be caused by Vitamin A deficiency, though this is rare in the United States. Vitamin A has been used to control the proliferation and differentiation of corneal epithelial cells and preserve conjunctival goblet cells for many years. You can improve your mucin layer by taking vitamin A. Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes and fish oil. Also recommended are preservative-free vitamin A drops. Vitamin A is a powerful anti-oxidant that contributes to overall brain functioning. It is also closely associated with eye health. Deficiency of Vitamin A causes a generalized drying up of mucous membranes and an inability to see in poor light. Vitamin A has been used to control the proliferation and differentiation of corneal epithelial cells and preserve conjunctival goblet cells for many years. You can improve your mucin layer by taking vitamin A. Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes and fish oil. Also recommended are preservative-free vitamin A drops. (Opthalmologica: 1997;211(6):358-61.Effect of retinol palmitate as a treatment for dry eye: a cytological evaluation).

*Hyaluronic acid (HA, hyaluronan) is a special protein that exists naturally in all living organisms. In the human body, it is found in greatest concentrations in the synovial fluid of articular joints for lubrication, the vitreous humor (fluid) of the eye, and most abundantly in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is known for its beneficial effects on patients suffering from dry eye syndrome. Applied to the surface of the eye, it reduces the symptoms and damage associated with dry eye. Hyaluronic acid makes up 95% of the fluid inside the eye. Acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye. HA plays a major role in maintaining the health of ocular tissues such as the cornea, the retina, and the vitreous fluid that fills the inside of the eye. It is been said that after the 5th decade of life, the eye has lost 50% of its ability to product the needed HA. Without out HA, we fail to have proper eye health.

*N-Acetyl-L cysteine (NAC) is a specially modified form of the dietary amino acid cysteine. When taken orally, NAC is thought to help the body make the important antioxidant enzyme glutathione. Acetyl cysteine eye drops are an effective alternative in treating people who have problems with sticky, viscous mucus on the eye (filamentary keratitis), but they may cause stinging.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 26 people with Sjogren’s syndrome, use of NAC at a dose of 200 mg three times per day improved eye-related symptoms. The supplement also showed some promise for mouth-related symptoms, but the effects were less clear-cut. While these are promising results, a much larger trial would be necessary to fully document the potential benefits of this treatment approach.

(Walters MT, Rubin CE, Keightley SJ, et al. A double-blind, cross-over, study of oral N-acetylcysteine in Sjogren's syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 1986;61:253–258).

*Evening primrose oil is extracted from the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), a wildflower found in North America, Europe and parts of Asia. The plant's pale yellow flowers open in the evening--hence its common name--and its seeds bear the special fatty oil that is used in healing today.
Evening primrose has been used medicinally for centuries. The oil, pressed from the seed, is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid (EFA). "Essential" means that we have to consume the nutrient because the body does not produce it. Fortunately, EFAs are plentiful in foods, notably nuts and seeds. These polyunsaturated fats are good fats, unlike the saturated fats that contribute to heart disease.
Evening Primrose oil has been shown to improve the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. In a pilot study, 17 patients were selected based on failure of tear secretion, objectively demonstrated (Schirmer Test), clinical exam, and the chronic need/use of lubricant drops. Patients received X500 mg capsules of evening Primrose oil (Efamol-73% linoleic acid and 10% gamma-linolenic acid), 50 mg vitamin B6 (pyroxidine) and 1 g vitamin C three times a day.

The result was that ten of the 17 patients showed substantial improvement of both symptoms and Schirmer test in 2-6 weeks.

(Horrobin DR Campbell A. Sjogren’s Syndrome and the Sicca Syndrome: the Role of Prostaglandin E1 Deficiency. Treatment with Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin C. Medical Hypothesis. 6:225-232 1980).

*Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are sold as dietary supplements. They both derive from animal tissue. Glucosamine comes from the shells of the crab, lobster or shrimp. Chondroitin Sulfate comes from animal cartilage, such as the cartilage of sharks. The two supplements taken together are primarily used to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. However Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate have reportedly improved the symptoms of dry eye also. Chondroitin is a constituent of the eye drops used during cataract removal. People who are allergic to shell fish, however, should not take these supplements.

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