Healing Remedies for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes generally stem from a lack of vitamin A, and are more likely to affect people over the age of sixty-five.  Some drugs are known to inhibit tear production or change the composition of tears, including anti-histamines, decongestants, and various drugs used to control Parkinson's disease and high blood pressure. [Prescription for Nutritional Healing]

Natural remedies to help dry eyes:

Fish oil or Evening Primrose oil
The DHA form of Omega-3 from fish oil is important for healthy vision.  DHA is found in the retina.  Evening Primrose oil also contains essential fatty acids that may help underlying deficiencies that cause dry eyes.

vitamin A
This is one of the most essential nutrients for healthy vision.  Tears contain vitamin A! The retina, mucus membranes, and tear ducts rely on vitamin A to function properly.  It can counteract night blindness, weak eyesight, and strengthens the nerves and cells of the eyes.  It promotes healthy secretions of the mucus membranes (tears). The photoreceptors in the eyes require it to function. A low fat diet can cause inadequate bile reaching the intestines, resulting in 90% of vitamin A being dumped in the feces.  The RDA is 5,000IU, but the optimum daily dosage is 10,000 to 25,000IU per day.  To prevent to body from loosing vitamin A, consider pairing it with it's protector, vitamin E, and zinc, which helps vitamin A to function optimally.  Be aware that vitamin A is fat soluble, so it's best to take it with a meal that contains some fat to enhance its absorption.  [7 Syndrome Healing]

Lutein
It's not only a key component of the macula (one area of the retina responsible for vision), but it has important antioxidant activity to protect the eyes. Some research has found that adults who take 6mg of Lutein per daily show a significant decrease in their risk of developing macular degeneration of the eyes. Absorption is enhanced when taken with good oils that produce the HDL form of cholesterol (good cholesterol). [The Big Vitamin Dictionary]

Suggested dosage is 15 mg daily if you have macular degeneration, or 5 mg daily as a preventative.

Zeazanthin
Contained in dark, leafy green vegetables, this potent antioxidant enhances vision, and can help guard against macular degeneration in the eyes.  You'll find this ingredient in most eye forumlas that also include Lutein or vitamin A.

Lifestyle suggestions:

Ensure you're drinking enough water every day.  Half your body weight in ounces is a good rule of thumb.  If you weigh 150 pounds, then dry to drink 75 ounces of water every day.

Please Note:

See your health practitioner if you have dry eyes.  It could be symptom of a more serious condition, including rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Taking excess vitamin A is not recommended and won't offer greater protection--it could cause itchy or flaky skin, hair loss, bleeding gums, or nausea.