By Dr. Joseph Mercola with Rachael Droege
Dry eye syndrome is the chronic lack of lubrication and moisture in the eye, resulting in eye irritation such as a gritty or sandy feeling. This condition is very common and is estimated to affect some 14 million Americans--although some estimates go up to 60 million--to varying degrees. Its causes vary but the syndrome stems from an imbalance in the quantity or quality of tears.
Tears are made up of three layers: a mucous layer against the eye, a watery layer in the middle and an outer lipid (oily) layer. If one of these components is missing, ineffective or deficient, dry eye can result.
While dry eye syndrome is not life threatening, it can cause a great deal of discomfort, a decreased quality of life, and, in severe cases, can even lead to scarring or ulceration of the cornea, and thus loss of vision. Other symptoms include:
Ironically, tearing is also a common symptom. This is because when the eye is irritated, as is the case in dry eye syndrome, it overcompensates and produces more tears in an attempt to clear the irritation.
Many people who experience dry eye syndrome opt for over-the-counter eye drops to alleviate the symptoms. However, these drops are not addressing the underlying cause of the problem and will only provide temporary relief, at best. As I said earlier, the causes for this syndrome vary, but most experts agree that it is partially due to degeneration that occurs with aging and partially a result of immune deficiency. Common risk factors include aging, autoimmune diseases, drug side effects, chemicals from contact lenses and LASIK eye surgery.
The best way to address dry eye is not with a topical Band-Aid, but with a solution that will help the body to heal the processes that lead to dry eye. One way to do this is by making sure you are getting enough essential omega-3 fatty acids. It appears that omega-3 helps to enhance the oil and water layers of the tears.
A study in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids also found that people with Sjogren's Syndrome, which is characterized by dry eyes, had the lowest levels of essential fatty acids.
Most Americans consume a dangerously insufficient amount of this essential and healthy fat, so taking high-quality fish oil or cod liver oil--both rich in omega-3--daily, will likely help to reduce dry eye along with helping you to fight many other common illnesses and diseases.
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