Dry eye disorders are common as we age and usually show up as
gritty sore eyes that worsen as the day progresses. Closed
eyelids as we sleep offers a recovery period but next day the
whole annoying cycle starts over again. Current treatments are
usually targeted at relieving symptoms of irritation with extra
lubrication or punctal plugs that decrease tear outflow. Recently
though our understanding of dry eye problems has improved
dramatically. Better understanding of dry eyes problems helps
lead to better diagnosis and newer treatment options that either
prevent difficulties or reduce discomfort.
Age inevitably produces a gradual decline in our tear function.
And there are two clear mechanisms involved. The first is
decreased tear production from the primary lacrimal glands. This
can happen because of autoimmune problems like arthritis or
problems like diabetes which decrease eye sensitivity. The second
is increased tear evaporation with reduced function of some of
the glands in the lids called meibomium glands. Age and recurrent
inflammatory conditions reduce the function of these glands which
produce an essential “oily” layer. This layer sits on top of
tears and slows tear evaporation. Reducing this layer causes
tears to evaporate quickly causing the gritty dry eyes and the
intermittent blurry vision usually seen.
In 2003 a scientific study showed that high dietary intake of the
Omega-3 group of essential oils decreased the risk of developing
dry eye disease. It has been known for quite some time that the
American diet is top heavy in Omega-6 oils and lacking in Omega-3
oils. This study showed that improving the amount of Omega-3
essential oils seems to address an imbalance and decreases the
likelihood of developing dry eyes.
What mechanism helps omega-3 essential oils aid dry eyes? The
heart of it seems to be the known fact that the omega-3 group of
oils decreases inflammation in conditions such as rheumatoid
arthritis. It appears that they also help decrease inflammatory
conditions that affect the eye. Reducing the effects of lacrimal
gland inflammatory problems improves tear production, hopefully
avoiding dry eye disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome. Tear
evaporation is reduced by decreasing inflammatory problems
affecting the meibomium glands such as blepharitis and acne
rosacea. An interesting third factor is that omega-3 essential
oils actually seem to be some of the active ingredients in
producing a healthy tear film oil layer.
Tools such as extra lubrication and punctal plugs will still be
needed to treat dry eyes with significant discomfort. Our
improved understanding of the natural history of dry eye will
allow however for the future use of alternative treatments such
as dietary supplements. Omega-3 dietary supplements have already
been shown to be essential nutrients in other health areas, now
we know that they are also the “good oil” for dry eye management.
For More Health Related Information please visit:
http://www.HealthyBodySupplements.com See Omega 3 Fish Oil
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