Dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition that affects millions of Americans. Though it’s not life-threatening and rarely results in loss of vision, it impacts your life, work, and daily functioning to a greater or lesser effect. Incidentally, apart from humans, the syndrome affects certain breeds of dogs and some cats as well. For most people, the first reaction is to seek advice and assistance from a professional healthcare service provider.

The procedure is to observe the symptoms, identify the underlying causes if any, and prescribe medication. While this certainly offers relief, it’s important to also understand that there are many home remedies, lifestyle, diet modifications, and natural treatments for dry eyes that can alleviate the symptoms and prevent further occurrence.

1. Symptoms and prognosis for dry eyes
Dry eye is a highly symptom-based disease or condition. As a result, the approach is to assess the symptoms carefully and grade them by the level of severity. It is usually done by giving the patient a questionnaire such as the McMonnies and Ho questionnaire.

Typical symptoms that are experienced include:

• Dryness
• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Stinging feeling
• Blurred vision
• Feeling of sand or grit in the eyes
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Redness
• Pulling sensation or pain behind the eyes
• Stringy discharge
• Excessive watering occurs in some cases
• Poor quality of tears
• Blocked lacrimal glands

Prognosis or the likely outcome of this condition depends on several factors. If the underlying cause can be identified and suitable action is taken, it can prevent the worsening of the condition and further attacks. It is usually a chronic problem, with treatment tending towards symptomatic relief.

2. Dietary changes
There are certain natural treatments for dry eyes that can give relief and prevent further attacks. Some of the underlying causes of the condition are due to dietary deficiencies and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Making the necessary changes can provide significant results. Healthy eating offers holistic benefits to not only the eyes but also to the entire body. Also, drinking more water and staying hydrated is important.

• Antioxidant-rich foods
  Include foods like eggs, corn, green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, etc. that contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These are antioxidants that keep the eye-cells healthy.
• Vitamin C
  Regular consumption of orange or grapefruit juices, whole fruits, cooked spinach, tomatoes, apples, and bananas is one of the best natural treatments for dry eyes. These foods contain ascorbic acid, which is another powerful antioxidant.
• Vitamin E
  This vitamin is another useful antioxidant that protects the eyes from damage and boosts the immune system. It is available in foods like whole grains, almonds, hazelnuts, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, etc.
• Omega-3
  Omega-3 fatty acids help to soothe irritation and inflammation. They stimulate oil production in the tears and help in the lubrication of the eyes. Consuming omega-3 rich foods such as fresh salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, anchovies, nuts, flaxseed, green leafy vegetables, soya, vegetable oils, etc. helps to protect the eyes and keep them clean and fresh.
• Minerals
  Your food should contain minerals like zinc, which helps to transport Vitamin A from the liver to the eyes and create a pigment called melanin. This natural treatment for dry eyes protects and saves them from damage. Zinc-rich foods include beef, oysters, yogurt, milk, eggs, etc.