| IVL Products Health Watch - Natural Remedies For Dry Eye Syndrome |
| The Official IVL Products Health Blog |
Dear Reader,
Every time we blink our eyelids spread tears over
our eyes to lubricate, moisturize and wash away debris. According to
the National Eye Foundation, tears are secreted by specialized glands
located around the eye and they are critical to good eye health. Tears
contain water to moisturize the eye, oil to lubricate the eye, mucus
for even spreading of tears and antibodies to help eyes resist
infections. Sometimes tear production becomes imbalanced and the result
is dry eyes.
An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from dry eyes and it is the
number one reason why people visit their eye doctors. People who have
dry eyes frequently have burning, itching or irritation that tends to
worsen as the day goes by. Some patients describe it as a sensation of
having something "gravelly" in their eye. Other symptoms include
redness, scratchiness, excessive tears and blurred vision that improves
when you blink.
Although there are many causes of dry eye syndrome, aging is probably
the most common one. As we get older, our bodies sometimes have an oil
deficiency. Oil is a necessary component of our tears and without it
the water in our eyes can evaporate too quickly. Hot, dry or windy
climates can cause dry eyes as well as rooms that are air-conditioned.
Cigarette smoke is another common trigger of dry eyes.
People who wear contact lenses have an increased risk of developing dry
eye syndrome. People who take antihistamines, antidepressants, birth
control pills and certain types of blood pressure medications are also
at high risk.
In some cases people who have dry eyes have a structural problem in the
eye, an eyelid disease or a deficiency of the tear ducts. Dry eyes can
also be a symptom of a systemic disorder such as lupus, rheumatoid
arthritis, thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiencies. Recent studies
have shown that hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, lactation,
menstruation and menopause may also trigger dry eye symptoms.
Computer use or other close work where you need to concentrate can
cause or irritate dry eyes. When you concentrate you don't blink as
often and therefore your eyes aren't being properly lubricated. People
blink about 22 times a minute while relaxing, 10 time while reading,
but only seven times when working a computer.
There are a number of alternative health remedies that can be used to
naturally treat dry eyes. For example, some people have been able to
eliminate dry eyes completely simply by adding Omega 3 fatty acids to
their diet. Omega 3 acids increase the viscosity of oils made by the
body, especially in the eyes. Flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil may
also be helpful. Eating foods rich in Vitamin A or supplementing with
Vitamin A can also help keep the eyes moist.
To avoid dry eyes, you should keep your indoor humidity between 30 and
40 percent. If the air in your house is dry, use a humidifier to add
moisture. You might also consider buying an air filter to pull dust and
other eye irritants out of the air. When you are outside, wear
sunglasses to reduce your eyes' exposure to wind and dust.
You can purchase "artificial tears" at your local health food store or
drug store. These can be used frequently and are very effective in
returning moisture to dry eyes. Unless there is a serious underlying
medical condition causing the symptoms, dry eyes respond well to
natural remedies.
Yours in good health,
Sheila McCormick
Editor, IVL Health Watch
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| Dr.
Mikles is a Board Certified Internist, and is the Medical Director of
Choices Integrative Healthcare Clinic in Sedona, Arizona. For more than
30 years, Dr. Mikles has been engaged in the study and practice of the
therapeutic effects of diet and nutrition, making him one of the
country's leading experts. |
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