How to Care for Dry Eyes

Are your eyes dry, itchy, red and burning? Over-the-counter artificial tears provide only temporary relief. With proper care and nutrition, your eyes will create natural tears as needed.

Things You'll Need

• Preservative-free Vitamin A Eyedrops
• Humidifiers
• Drinking Waters
• Artificial Tears
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Glucosamine Sulfate
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B-6
• Vitamin C

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Keep in mind that tears are made up of three layers: a lipid (fatty) layer, a middle aqueous (water) layer, and an inner layer of mucin, which spreads tears across the surface of the eyeball when you blink.

• 2

  Take omega-6 fatty acids (found in borage, black currant seed and evening primrose oil) and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) to restore the lipid layer of the eye. This keeps tears from evaporating as quickly. Supplement with 50mg of vitamin B6 to improve utilization of these fats in the body.

• 3

  Improve your mucin layer by taking vitamin A. Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes and fish oil. Also recommended are preservative-free vitamin A drops.

• 4

  Drink plenty of water to improve the middle aqueous layer of tear film.

• 5

  Take vitamin C, which can be diluted when eye irritants cause the eye to water.

• 6

  Consider taking supplemental glucosamine sulfate in cases of dryness related to cornea damage. This will help to build up the cornea. Follow the directions, or take 500mg three times a day.