Flaxseed Oil For Dry Eyes

The notion that dry eyes are caused by the normal aging process is true. But did you know that there are other causes as well apart from the inevitable old age? Dry eye is a situation where the eyes lack sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. The dry eye syndrome is medically described as keratitis sicca which simply means decreased quantity or quality of tears.

Dry eye causes blurred vision, irritation or inflammation on the front tissue of the eye. When the lacrimal gland and other associated glands around the eye produce fewer tears or when the meibomian gland reduces oil production, excessive evaporation of the tears occur. This is considered a primary cause of dry eyes.

Who Suffers From Dry Eye?

Well, if you are a victim of a dry eye, you are not alone. It estimated that over 10% of the population suffer dry eye problem that causes them pain, loss of vision and significant less productivity at the workplace. Dry eye syndrome can affect anyone but mostly, it affects postmenopausal women and people with arthritis. It is estimated that about 60% of the victims are women while among the men, the majority are the elderly.

Main Causes of Dry Eye

Scientific evidence clearly states that the normal aging process results in the production of 60% less oil and tears at the age of 65 to cause dry eye. Well, this true but mostly among women who suffer dry skin more as compared to women. The decreasing amount of oil affects the tear film thus leaving the surface of the cornea with less oil and water to lubricate the eye.

There are many causes and I have listed these below. Other cause includes;

• Menopause • Medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus, arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome.• Infrequent blinking• Prolonged staring at a computer• Contact lens wearing that reduces cornea sensitivity and stimulation of tear production• Cigarette smoking, chemical, dust exposure, and other irritants• Hot, dry or windy climate• Air conditioning in the house• Burns and other trauma of the eye• Laser and cataract surgery

Dry eye has no cure. That is scary, however, there are ways to diagnose and control the disease to reduce its severity. Proper nutrition and hydration are among the major checks to dry eye problems. There are special dietary supplements for dry eyes. Drinking lots of cold-water fish such as cod, sardines, herring, and salmon will relieve dry eye condition. These cold-water fish are renowned sources of omega-3 fatty acids that will help reduce dry eye symptoms.

Can Flaxseed Oil Help?

Another important thing to supplement your diet is diet flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is equally potent for dry eyes since it contains a high level of (ALA) Alpha-linoleic acid which is an omega-3 fatty acid. This oil can be obtained in either liquid or capsule form or alternatively the seeds can be ground and added into a salad or fruit juice and used immediately to gain the benefits.

It contains strong vitamins required to maintain cell membranes as well as reducing inflammation. TheraTears Nutrition, Dry Eye Formula and Tear Again Hydrate are some of the popular eye vitamins with flaxseed oil. Drinking lots of water can also help reduce the problem of mild dehydration, especially during hot and windy days. In your diet, also include milk, vegetable and fruit juices.

Conclusion

If you are a vegetarian, flaxseed oil will be the best for you. Besides, its ability to cure arthritis, it is also free from the fishy taste. Our eyes are important and we must take care of them unless if you have an extra pair.