Dry eyes are among the most common conditions humans have experienced since the dawn of time and can be exceptionally irritating in some circumstances. The condition occurs when the body is lacking in adequate tears to lubricate the eyes, thereby drying them out causing itching, redness, twitching, and uncomfortable strain on the eye.

Sometimes the condition of dry eyes is caused by external sources such as a fan blowing in your face or too much TV, but one of the root causes of continual dry eyes can also stem from a person’s staple diet. Lacking in the correct amounts of foods may make one more susceptible to the symptoms of chronic dry eyes:

1. Limiting the amount of screen time
In our modern era, technology is part of daily life, and many people are constantly glued to a screen. If it’s not the computer, it’s a phone. This, in turn, can cause chronic dry eyes resulting in burning and stinging for relative periods of time. Limiting the amount of cumulative time fixated on a screen will help to reduce this strain.

2. Utilizing strong sunglasses
When outside, the sun can have a huge impact on your eyes. It’s important to wear the proper eyewear to protect your eyes from drying out and squinting outside. By doing so, your eyes remain lubricated and free from unnecessary strain, especially when you’re outside for long periods of time.

3. Eat more foods with Vitamin A
Vitamin A has long been known for its useful effects on improving vision and one’s quality of life. Having a deficiency in this nutrient can contribute to the onset of dry eyes. In some cases, additional supplements may be necessary to get an extra effective dose to notice a difference.

4. Buy a humidifier for the drier months
During winter the air is extremely dry at times, which can dry out your eyes and make it difficult to blink and focus. Purchasing a humidifier will put moisture in the air and help with overall eye comfort. It will help to moisturize the dry air and improve lubrication between blinks.

5. Coconut oil for the eyes
One of the most innovative ways to save a buck is to use coconut oil to lubricate the eyes. Studies have shown they provide a very effective protective coating that constitutes fatty acids that are great lubrication. Not to mention, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is a great natural alternative to potentially harsh eye drops.

6. Eat more omega 3 fatty acid foods
Flax seeds, walnuts, fish, and chia seeds are all great additions to the diet for multiple reasons. They have a prominent effect on the healthy of the eyes and can help the body recover quicker. This of course is not limited to the eyes and people who implement these foods in their diet report positive results!

7. Test out a fish oil supplement
In many different studies, fish oil has been shown to effectively treat dry eye conditions and can reduce irritation and inflammation. It’s important to give supplements time to work, and after around a month you will notice significant differences in eye dryness. The amazing properties in fish oil will help reduce irritation.