
4 Best Foods That Help Fight Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occuts when the fluid that lubricates the cornea dries up, which makes keeping eyes open for a prolonged time quite uncomfortable for an indicidual. Thankfully, this condition can be treated well by using a combination of medications and nutritional changes. This article shares a list of foods that help those suffering from dry eyes.
1. Fish
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help soothe the symptoms of dry eyes, which include the stinging, scratchy feeling of dry eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids help soothe inflammation and help build quality tears in the eyes, which in turn lubricates the eyes. One may include fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon, herring, and anchovies among others. If you don’t eat fish, you can have nuts and seeds like flax seed,vegetable oil, soybeans, and green leafy vegetables.
2. Vegetables
Carrots and sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamin A, which is significant for the eyes and helps enhance vision. Other vegetables such as avocado, bell peppers, tempeh, green leafy, broccoli, and brussels sprouts are a great source of nutrients that help protect eyes from damaging UV light from the sun and screen time.
3 . Beans
For vegetarians, beans make for an excellent substitute for proteins that are found in meat. Additionally, beans also boast of fiber, folate, and zinc that make for a well-balanced diet. The nutrient zinc is important to be a part of, for it enhances melanin production, which protects the eyes from sun damage and various other environmental and technology-related damage. That said, many studies suggest that zinc helps treat as well as prevent dry eye condition.
4. Bananas, Sweet Potatoes, and Soybeans
Potassium is a vitamin that is significant for the tear film that covers the exposed cornea. There are many studies that found out people with weak tear film are usually deficient in the vitamin potassium. That said, it’s wise to include foods rich in potassium to maintain the film’s thickness.
4. Acai, Goji, and Blueberries
These antioxidant-rich foods help reverse the damage caused by free radicals. One of the causes of dry eyes is in fact the damage caused by toxic radicals. Foods that are a rich source of antioxidants help combat against the radicals, which eventually reduces the process of oxidation. How must you know foods that are rich in antioxidants? The most common way to know is that vegetables and fruits that are dark in color are a rich source of antioxidants. Some of these options include spinach, collard greens, and kale.
Apart from these foods, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated. Drink adequate amounts of foods and fluids. Green tea is a great warm beverage that is a potent source of antioxidants. You can even consider opting for vegetable and fruit juices that are prepared at home to avoid added sugars and preservatives.