Essential Nutrients to Prevent Dry Eyes
A dry eye is a condition in which the quantity of tears produced are less than normal. This means that there are not enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated, resulting in dryness. Dry eyes may lead to itching, pain, discomfort, and redness. Here are some nutrients that can help prevent and tackle dry eyes:
Vitamin C
One of the important nutrients you need to keep your eyes healthy is vitamin C. Vitamin C nourishes the blood vessels in the eyes. It keeps the eyes healthy and stops problems like cataracts and dry eyes. Make sure to include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges, tomatoes, grapefruit, and lemons in your diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most crucial nutrients to include in your diet for dry eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids improve the function of the meibomian glands, which prevent the eye’s oily film from evaporating. When there is no oily factor in the tears, they do not lubricate the eyes well. Omega-3 fatty acids also keep your tears from drying up quickly. Fatty fish, avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency is related to eye conditions including dry eyes. You can consume vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, broccoli, liver, fish, and squash. Vitamin A eye drops can also act as a preventive option for dry eyes.
Zinc
Zinc is another important mineral that produces melanin. Zinc helps transmit vitamin A from the liver to your retina. Melanin helps prevent the eye from sun damage and regular wear and tear. This is also an important step in treating dry eyes. You can eat zinc-rich foods like beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, and even opt for zinc supplements.
Vitamin D
When you have vitamin D deficiency, you will face problems like inflammation on the surface of and in the eyes. Studies show that consuming vitamin D-rich foods and vitamin D supplements regularly can prevent dry eye flare-ups.
Lutein
Lutein, an antioxidant, also makes it to the list of vital nutrients to include in your diet for dry eyes. This carotenoid is known to keep the cells of the eyes healthy even as you age.
All these nutrients are also healthy for other parts of your body. You can easily prevent dry eyes when you add nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, and whole grains, to your diet.