What causes dry eyes?
Dry eyes are essentially a lack of adequate tears. Tears are a mix of fatty oils, water, and mucus which act as a barrier against infection and help to keep the front surface of your eyes clear and smooth.
Every time you blink, your tears are working to protect the surface of your eye from constant exposure to external elements. The cause of dry eyes can be due to malfunctioning tear glands -- which produce tears -- or tear ducts, which transport tears to the surface of the eye.
What are the holistic treatment options for dry eyes?
Dr. Lovero prefers to begin with a holistic approach, getting to know you and assessing any vitamin or fatty acid deficiencies that may be causing or exacerbating your dry eyes.
The range of holistic treatments available for dry eyes includes omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins that help to treat dry eyes by decreasing inflammation and providing a wealth of health benefits.
Omega-3 fatty acids come in three primary forms: EPA, DHA, and ALA. These good fats are essential to your health.
ALA can is present in some nuts, seeds, and pasteurized animal foods like dairy and grass-fed beef. DHA can is present in seafood, like mackerel and salmon. There are also fish oil supplements available.
Since your body can’t produce these essential fatty acids, it’s necessary to obtain them from your foods or food supplements. Dr. Lovero will help you to implement nutritional changes and perhaps include supplements to restore a possible omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
Other vitamins linked to eye health are lutein, vitamins A, C, and E, and Zinc.
What are the medical treatments for dry eyes?
The medical treatments for dry eyes include:
- Drugs to reduce eyelid or corneal inflammation: If your cornea, the surface of your eye, or the edge of your eyelids become inflamed, antibiotics and specific anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to reduce inflammation. These are either taken as tablets or eye drops.
- Drugs to stimulate tears: Certain drugs help to increase tear production and are available as tablets or eye drops.
- Eye inserts: Daily, you place an eye insert between your eyeball and your lower eyelid, and with time, the insert dissolves, releasing a tear-like lubricating substance. The eye insert resembles a clear, grain of rice.
For mild cases, using over-the-counter eye-drops that act as artificial tears can be enough. In cases where the eyelids are the cause of dry eye, Dr. Lovero may recommend you see an eye surgeon.
If your dry eye is associated with an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Lovero may refer you to a rheumatologist. Call or book online to visit Dr. Lovero and find relief from dry eyes.
