Vision is the most important sense we have, since up to 80% of what we perceive is through our eyes. Therefore, we must have good eye health and take care of it. Dry eye syndrome or dryness of the ocular surface is a very frequent ophthalmological problem that can be favored or caused by various factors (autoimmune, environmental, hormonal, toxic, etc.) and affects 5 million people in Spain, representing 11%. of the total population, which only 34% receive treatment.
Anyone can develop this syndrome, but it is true that you are more likely to have it if:
- You are over 50 years old.
- You are a woman.
- Do you wear contact lenses?
- You do not consume enough Vitamin A (carrots, broccoli, liver) or omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, vegetable oils).
- You have certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome.
Symptoms of dry eyes
Among the most common symptoms that can appear in this disease are the following: sensation of a foreign body or grit in the eyes, watery eyes, eye itching and stinging, “eye pricking”, heavy eyelids, “visual fatigue”, photophobia or fluctuating blurred vision. In some cases, there may even be a need to keep your eyes closed. Of all the mentioned the most common symptoms are:
- Slimy mucus around the eyes.
- Sensation of having a foreign body in the eye.
- Crying eyes.
- Blurred vision or eye strain.
- Eye redness
Causes of dry eyness
As we get older our eyes produce fewer tears. Both sexes can suffer from it, but it is usually more common in women due to menopause.
Less tear production
The medical term is keratoconjunctivitis sicca and it can happen due to:
- Aging.
- Certain diseases: Sjögren’s syndrome, lack of Vitamin A, rheumatoid arthritis…
- Certain medications: antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, contraceptives…
- Corneal nerve desensitization due to contact lens wear.
Excessive tear evaporation.
Caused by the obstruction or malfunction of the meibomian glands found in the eyelids, it happens due to:
- Blink less often.
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
- Eyelid problems.
- Allergies affecting the eye.
- Wind, smoke, dry air, closed spaces and pollution.
- Lack of Vitamin A.
How could dry eye syndrome be prevented?
- Avoid smoke, wind or air conditioning.
- Use a humidifier to prevent the air from becoming too dry.
- Reduce the time in front of an electronic screen.
- Wear sunglasses when you are outside.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Sleep enough.
- Eat foods rich in omega3 and vitamin A
Proposal Vitae
OlioVita is a food supplement based on sea buckthorn oil, rich in Omega7, Omega3, 6 and 9, as well as containing vitamin A and E that contributes to the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes of our body. This supplement helps the nutrition, hydration, regeneration and protection of our skin and mucous membranes, in this case, we are talking about the ocular mucosa.
As we have said before, one of the things we can do to prevent dry eye syndrome would be to eat more foods that provide us with omega 3 and vitamin A. This supplement can provide it to us, but always following a healthy diet, avoiding foods ultra-processed and those that do not provide us with enough nutrients.
