Does What I Eat Impact The Way I See

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Dry eye disease (DED) occurs when there's a deficiency in tear production or excessive tear evaporation, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even potential damage to the surface of the eye. Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society who are the experts on DED have recently published a paper on how lifestyle including what we eat impacts the ocular surface.

Keeping well hydrated is important consuming 2.2 L of water for women and 3L for men. Although exceeding these levels does not reduce the risk of dry eye. Coffee rather unexpectedly can reduce the risk of DED. Alcohol consumption on the other hand has a negative impact on DED and can make you more symptomatic.

Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are vital components of tear film and help maintain its stability. Incorporating foods rich in these fatty acids, such as fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, can benefit individuals suffering from dry eye by improving tear quality and reducing inflammation in the eyes.

Vitamin B5 can help to promote healing on the ocular surface and deficiencies in vitamin B12 increase your risk of DED. Foods rich in B vitamins include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish.

Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, along with zinc and selenium, play a crucial role in protecting the eyes from oxidative damage and maintaining healthy tear production. Foods such as carrots, spinach, kale, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources of these nutrients and should be included in a balanced diet.

However, it's essential to consult with your GP or nutritionist for personalized recommendations tailored to individual needs and severity of the condition.