Dry Eye and Your Diet: Vitamins for Dry Eye Disease  

Dry Eye Disease can impact your life to the point of trying anything, just to alleviate the symptoms. But if you’re looking for a real way to improve your lifestyle and overall ocular health, while helping manage symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, it might be time to look at your diet.  

 

There are many macronutrients and micronutrients to consider if you’re trying to improve the condition, and at Dry Eye and Me, we’re Dry Eye Disease experts. Here’s everything you need to know about Dry Eye Disease and your diet, including what the best foods to eat are for Dry Eye Disease symptom relief.  

 

 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition that affects the layers of tears in your eyes. It’s either caused by a deficiency in the amount or quality of your tears. When your tears aren’t able to properly hydrate your eyes, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface.[1]

The part of your eye that’s responsible for protecting the organ (and your vision) is called the tear layer. It’s comprised of three components:  

1. The aqueous layer which is comprised largely of water. It’s produced by the lacrimal gland and moistens the eye as well as making antibodies.  

1. An oily outer layer which is produced by the Meibomian Gland. This helps to lubricate your eyes, helping you blink and stops your tears from evaporating before this process is completed.  

1. An inner mucus layer which I produced by gland inside the conjunctiva. This layer spreads tears across the surface of your eye, ensuring it’s properly protected, moistened, and lubricated.[2]

The three work together for these important processes and an imbalance in this can cause Dry Eye Disease and feelings of discomfort.  

There are three main types of Dry Eye Disease:  

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye which is caused by your lacrimal glands not producing enough aqueous tears.  

• Evaporative Dry Eye which is when your tears evaporate too quickly, meaning they’re not able to adequately lubricate and protect the surface of your eyes. This is most commonly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.  

• Mixed Dry Eye which is where patients suffer from both aqueous tear deficiency and tear instability. Your eyes aren’t able to produce enough tears to hydrate the lens, and your tear film is unstable.[3]  

 

What are Dry Eye Symptoms?

There are a variety of symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, and many patients will experience a mix of them. Many people with Dry Eye Syndrome report excessive watering, eye twitching, soreness, irritation, dryness, a feeling of grit in the eyes, and itchiness.[4] Those living with the disease can find wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and might find reading or working on computers difficult.[5] 

 

How Can I Know if I Have Dry Eye Disease?

If you’re suffering with any of these symptoms, it might not necessarily mean you have Dry Eye Disease. Dry eyes and itchiness can be caused by a variety of things including reactions to certain medication, however many of the treatments for Dry Eye Disease may help your symptoms.  

If you’re concerned about whether you have Dry Eye Disease you can take some basic steps to test for it. Try the Stare Test on our website. Or you can speak to your eye doctor and schedule an eye exam. They may use a tear break-up time test or a Shirmer test which uses medical paper to indicate whether your eyes produce enough tears to help maintain moisture.[6] 

 

 

What are the Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?

There’s no one singular cause for Dry Eye Disease. In fact, it an extremely common disease affecting up to 50% of all adults.[6] Older people and women are more likely to develop the condition due to hormonal factors affecting tear production and quality.[7] 

 

Other causes of Dry Eye Disease include: 

• Low humidity 

• Screentime 

• Blepharitis 

• Contact lens usage 

• Lack of sleep  

• Autoimmune diseases 

• Previous eye surgeries[8]

 

How Does your Diet Affect Dry Eyes?

But one of the causes of Dry Eye Disease that you might not be as familiar with is your diet. An unbalanced diet lacking in Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to Dry Eye Disease.[8] 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids  

Omega-3 fatty acids are usually connected to heart health, helping to lower your triglycerides and support all your cells in your body to function as they should. They’re concentrated in high levels in cells in your eyes.[9] 

 If you’re looking to increase your intake of this essential nutrient, you can look to add more fatty fish to your diet. Mackerel, salmon, cod liver oil, and sardines are great choices.  

However, there are plant-based sources of Omega-3 (specifically omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid) such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Soybeans contain many essential nutrients such as magnesium and potassium but are also a source of omega-6 fatty acids and supply 670mg of ALA in a half cup.[10] 

 

 

Water  

It might seem like an obvious choice but water and getting proper hydration in your diet can be beneficial for your Dry Eye Syndrome. Tears are comprised of 98% water, so to aid your body creating tears that hydrate and lubricate your eyes, you should be making sure you’re getting enough water.[11]

 

Caffeine  

While many medical professionals would advise reducing caffeine consumption for the sake of our health, recent research has suggested that caffeine can stimulate tear production.[11] 

 

Can Vitamins Help Dry Eyes?

Vitamins are crucial for a health diet overall, but there’s many specific vitamins that you should include in your diet if you’re looking to reduce your symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.  

 

Vitamin A  

You might have grown up hearing that saying ‘Carrots are good for your eyes’ and the theory many children have that carrots can help you see in the dark. However, there is truth in those old tales. Vitamin A helps maintain the eye’s surface and supports your overall vision. A healthy eye surface can help avoid irritation and the feelings of dryness and itchiness.[12] 

You can increase the amount of Vitamin A you’re consuming by adding certain foods to your diet as well as taking additional supplements. Some foods that are great sources of Vitamin A are lamb’s liver, salmon, butter, goat’s cheese, sweet potato, kale, and carrots.[13] 

 

Vitamin E  

It’s believed that Vitamin E may help improve your overall eye health and a study recently conducted claimed that vitamin E might help improve the stability of the tear film, helping your tears to adequately hydrate the eye.[14] Plus, it protects your eyes against cell damage. 

Foods that are rich in this vitamin include red peppers, almonds, pumpkin, and peanuts.  

 

Vitamin C  

Vitamin C is crucial to your eye health, but especially to those who suffer from Dry Eye Disease. It helps to maintain a functioning tear film – something you should be concerned about if you’re fighting dry and itchy eyes.  

Vitamin C supplements are very common, but to include more in your diet you should look to eat more peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.[15] 

 

If you’d like to find more foods that can benefit your Dry Eye Disease, then make sure to read our other blogs on the subject here.  

 

 

Supplements for your Eyes

The most important vitamins to be paying attention to improve your eye health are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex, Riboflavin, Niacin, Omega-3s, and Thiamine. If you’re looking to incorporate supplements into your daily routines, you should speak to your doctor before starting a new regimen and getting checked to see if you have an underlying deficiency.  

 

VISUshop also offers a range of food supplements, which can help improve your eye health and battle the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. CoQUN® OS enhances the absorption of CoQ10, an antioxidant that is essential for the proper functioning of the mitochondria. Shop CoQUN® OS here. VISUfly® contains a number of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin C and Ficain that help protect cells against oxidative stress – helping reduce eye conditions such as vitreous floaters. Find out more about VISUfly® here. VISURETIN® helps aid your overall eye health with Saffron, Elderberry, Melilot, Lutepure, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Copper, and Zinc. Shop VISURETIN® here. 

 

If you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease, you’re not alone. Our blog is full of articles, offering advice and support for navigating your symptoms and treatments that can help you live with the condition.

 

References

1. Mayo Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Last Accessed October 2025
2. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025
3. Cleveland Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Last Accessed October 2025
4. Specsavers, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025
5. Glaucoma UK, ‘Dry Eye’, Last Accessed October 2025
6. Lazarus, Russel, ‘How is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?’, Last Accessed October 2025
7. National Eye Institute, ‘Causes of Dry Eye’, 06/12/24, Last Accessed October 2025
8. Lin, Pei-Fen, ‘The Dreaded Dry Eye’, Last Accessed October 2025
9. Cleveland Clinic, ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids’, 17/11/22, Last Accessed October 2025
10. Hjalmarsdottir, Freydis, ‘12 Food That Are Very High in Omega-3’, Last Accessed October 2025
11. Eyes of York, ‘Can Food Help or Worsen Dry Eye Symptoms?’, 18/01/24, Last Accessed October 2025
12. South East Eye Surgeon, ‘What Diet is Best for Dry Eye?’, 17/08/24, Last Accessed October 2025
13. Arnarson, Atli, ‘20 Foods High in Vitamin A’, 01/04/24, Last Accessed October 2025
14. Fletcher, Jenna, ‘Are there any foods that help with dry eye?’, 27/06/22, Last Accessed October 2025
15. Dry Eye Centre of NY & NJ, ‘Vitamins and Foods That Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025

Why Do You Get Itchy Eyes in Winter 

Dry Eye Disease can impact your life to the point of trying anything, just to alleviate the symptoms. But if you’re looking for a real way to improve your lifestyle and overall ocular health, while helping manage symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, it might be time to look at your diet.  

 

There are many macronutrients and micronutrients to consider if you’re trying to improve the condition, and at Dry Eye and Me, we’re Dry Eye Disease experts. Here’s everything you need to know about Dry Eye Disease and your diet, including what the best foods to eat are for Dry Eye Disease symptom relief.  

 

 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition that affects the layers of tears in your eyes. It’s either caused by a deficiency in the amount or quality of your tears. When your tears aren’t able to properly hydrate your eyes, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface.[1]

The part of your eye that’s responsible for protecting the organ (and your vision) is called the tear layer. It’s comprised of three components:  

1. The aqueous layer which is comprised largely of water. It’s produced by the lacrimal gland and moistens the eye as well as making antibodies.  

1. An oily outer layer which is produced by the Meibomian Gland. This helps to lubricate your eyes, helping you blink and stops your tears from evaporating before this process is completed.  

1. An inner mucus layer which I produced by gland inside the conjunctiva. This layer spreads tears across the surface of your eye, ensuring it’s properly protected, moistened, and lubricated.[2]

The three work together for these important processes and an imbalance in this can cause Dry Eye Disease and feelings of discomfort.  

There are three main types of Dry Eye Disease:  

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye which is caused by your lacrimal glands not producing enough aqueous tears.  

• Evaporative Dry Eye which is when your tears evaporate too quickly, meaning they’re not able to adequately lubricate and protect the surface of your eyes. This is most commonly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.  

• Mixed Dry Eye which is where patients suffer from both aqueous tear deficiency and tear instability. Your eyes aren’t able to produce enough tears to hydrate the lens, and your tear film is unstable.[3]  

 

What are Dry Eye Symptoms?

There are a variety of symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, and many patients will experience a mix of them. Many people with Dry Eye Syndrome report excessive watering, eye twitching, soreness, irritation, dryness, a feeling of grit in the eyes, and itchiness.[4] Those living with the disease can find wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and might find reading or working on computers difficult.[5] 

 

How Can I Know if I Have Dry Eye Disease?

If you’re suffering with any of these symptoms, it might not necessarily mean you have Dry Eye Disease. Dry eyes and itchiness can be caused by a variety of things including reactions to certain medication, however many of the treatments for Dry Eye Disease may help your symptoms.  

If you’re concerned about whether you have Dry Eye Disease you can take some basic steps to test for it. Try the Stare Test on our website. Or you can speak to your eye doctor and schedule an eye exam. They may use a tear break-up time test or a Shirmer test which uses medical paper to indicate whether your eyes produce enough tears to help maintain moisture.[6] 

 

 

What are the Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?

There’s no one singular cause for Dry Eye Disease. In fact, it an extremely common disease affecting up to 50% of all adults.[6] Older people and women are more likely to develop the condition due to hormonal factors affecting tear production and quality.[7] 

 

Other causes of Dry Eye Disease include: 

• Low humidity 

• Screentime 

• Blepharitis 

• Contact lens usage 

• Lack of sleep  

• Autoimmune diseases 

• Previous eye surgeries[8]

 

How Does your Diet Affect Dry Eyes?

But one of the causes of Dry Eye Disease that you might not be as familiar with is your diet. An unbalanced diet lacking in Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to Dry Eye Disease.[8] 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids  

Omega-3 fatty acids are usually connected to heart health, helping to lower your triglycerides and support all your cells in your body to function as they should. They’re concentrated in high levels in cells in your eyes.[9] 

 If you’re looking to increase your intake of this essential nutrient, you can look to add more fatty fish to your diet. Mackerel, salmon, cod liver oil, and sardines are great choices.  

However, there are plant-based sources of Omega-3 (specifically omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid) such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Soybeans contain many essential nutrients such as magnesium and potassium but are also a source of omega-6 fatty acids and supply 670mg of ALA in a half cup.[10] 

 

 

Water  

It might seem like an obvious choice but water and getting proper hydration in your diet can be beneficial for your Dry Eye Syndrome. Tears are comprised of 98% water, so to aid your body creating tears that hydrate and lubricate your eyes, you should be making sure you’re getting enough water.[11]

 

Caffeine  

While many medical professionals would advise reducing caffeine consumption for the sake of our health, recent research has suggested that caffeine can stimulate tear production.[11] 

 

Can Vitamins Help Dry Eyes?

Vitamins are crucial for a health diet overall, but there’s many specific vitamins that you should include in your diet if you’re looking to reduce your symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.  

 

Vitamin A  

You might have grown up hearing that saying ‘Carrots are good for your eyes’ and the theory many children have that carrots can help you see in the dark. However, there is truth in those old tales. Vitamin A helps maintain the eye’s surface and supports your overall vision. A healthy eye surface can help avoid irritation and the feelings of dryness and itchiness.[12] 

You can increase the amount of Vitamin A you’re consuming by adding certain foods to your diet as well as taking additional supplements. Some foods that are great sources of Vitamin A are lamb’s liver, salmon, butter, goat’s cheese, sweet potato, kale, and carrots.[13] 

 

Vitamin E  

It’s believed that Vitamin E may help improve your overall eye health and a study recently conducted claimed that vitamin E might help improve the stability of the tear film, helping your tears to adequately hydrate the eye.[14] Plus, it protects your eyes against cell damage. 

Foods that are rich in this vitamin include red peppers, almonds, pumpkin, and peanuts.  

 

Vitamin C  

Vitamin C is crucial to your eye health, but especially to those who suffer from Dry Eye Disease. It helps to maintain a functioning tear film – something you should be concerned about if you’re fighting dry and itchy eyes.  

Vitamin C supplements are very common, but to include more in your diet you should look to eat more peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.[15] 

 

If you’d like to find more foods that can benefit your Dry Eye Disease, then make sure to read our other blogs on the subject here.  

 

 

Supplements for your Eyes

The most important vitamins to be paying attention to improve your eye health are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex, Riboflavin, Niacin, Omega-3s, and Thiamine. If you’re looking to incorporate supplements into your daily routines, you should speak to your doctor before starting a new regimen and getting checked to see if you have an underlying deficiency.  

 

VISUshop also offers a range of food supplements, which can help improve your eye health and battle the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. CoQUN® OS enhances the absorption of CoQ10, an antioxidant that is essential for the proper functioning of the mitochondria. Shop CoQUN® OS here. VISUfly® contains a number of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin C and Ficain that help protect cells against oxidative stress – helping reduce eye conditions such as vitreous floaters. Find out more about VISUfly® here. VISURETIN® helps aid your overall eye health with Saffron, Elderberry, Melilot, Lutepure, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Copper, and Zinc. Shop VISURETIN® here. 

 

If you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease, you’re not alone. Our blog is full of articles, offering advice and support for navigating your symptoms and treatments that can help you live with the condition.

 

References

1. Mayo Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Last Accessed October 2025
2. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025
3. Cleveland Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Last Accessed October 2025
4. Specsavers, ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025
5. Glaucoma UK, ‘Dry Eye’, Last Accessed October 2025
6. Lazarus, Russel, ‘How is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?’, Last Accessed October 2025
7. National Eye Institute, ‘Causes of Dry Eye’, 06/12/24, Last Accessed October 2025
8. Lin, Pei-Fen, ‘The Dreaded Dry Eye’, Last Accessed October 2025
9. Cleveland Clinic, ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids’, 17/11/22, Last Accessed October 2025
10. Hjalmarsdottir, Freydis, ‘12 Food That Are Very High in Omega-3’, Last Accessed October 2025
11. Eyes of York, ‘Can Food Help or Worsen Dry Eye Symptoms?’, 18/01/24, Last Accessed October 2025
12. South East Eye Surgeon, ‘What Diet is Best for Dry Eye?’, 17/08/24, Last Accessed October 2025
13. Arnarson, Atli, ‘20 Foods High in Vitamin A’, 01/04/24, Last Accessed October 2025
14. Fletcher, Jenna, ‘Are there any foods that help with dry eye?’, 27/06/22, Last Accessed October 2025
15. Dry Eye Centre of NY & NJ, ‘Vitamins and Foods That Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome’, Last Accessed October 2025

Menopause and Dry Eye: What’s the Link?

During menopause, have you noticed that you’re struggling more with your vision or experiencing a lot of discomfort around your eyes? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. In fact, there’s a link between menopause and Dry Eye Disease.

Some studies suggest that around 61% of perimenopausal and menopausal women are affected by Dry Eye Syndrome [1] , while a survey of 6,000 women revealed that one in four women said they experienced dry eyes, making it the second most common hidden symptom of menopause . [2]

 

 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome is an extremely common eye condition affecting one in four people in the UK. [3] When your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes, you may notice inflammation in the eye which is related to a wide range of symptoms. You may experience red eyes, itching, a burning sensation, sensitivity to light, and even fatigue. Symptoms are wide-ranging, so if you’re experiencing discomfort and irritation in your eyes, it may be Dry Eye. [4]

 

What causes Dry Eye Disease?

There are several reasons you might start to show symptoms of Dry Eye disease. From smoking to aging, there are a lot of factors to consider but one you may not have thought about is your hormone levels.

During menopause your androgen hormones (which include testosterone) decrease. This hormone change affects the meibomian and lacrimal glands in the eyelids that provide the essential oils for tears. Tears moisten the eyes so you will see increased tear evaporation and drier eyes as a result.

Recent research shows that testosterone helps to manage the balance of tear production which you need to lubricate your eye. Without enough tear film, you may end up feeling an itchy, gritty, or stinging sensation – otherwise known as Dry Eye Disease.

There is also some evidence that Oestrogen levels changing during this phase can also lead to Dry Eye Disease. More research needs to be done to solidify this link but it would explain the increase in Dry Eye symptoms at different points of a woman’s monthly fertility cycle. [5]

One thing that’s clear, however, is that dry eyes can be a result of a sex hormone deficiency, meaning it’s a common side effect of menopause, when your hormone levels will drop.

 

 

Is Dry Eye Disease a common symptom of menopause?

That gritty feeling in your eyes might make you feel like you’re all alone but don’t worry. Many people deal with Dry Eye Disease every day and during menopause, it’s a very common symptom.

Menopausal symptoms vary depending on the person and their age, so you could end up facing very different symptoms and experiences from your friends. However, if you are noticing redder eyes, blurred vision, and excessive tearing then you might be dealing with hormonally-induced Dry Eye Disease.

 

How do hormones play a role in the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and menopause?

During perimenopause and menopause, there’s a variety of changes in hormones that can be related to dry eye symptoms. We see a decrease in both Oestrogen and testosterone. Sex hormones are incredibly important to keep the ocular surface of the eye stable, which means they’ll affect producing tears, evaporating tears, draining tears, maintaining nerves behind the cornea, and maintaining the immune system of the eye. When it comes to Dry Eye the ability to keep the eyes moist (usually by tears) plays a large role. When the eyelid becomes dry and irritated, it causes pain, a burning sensation, and red eyes. [6]

During perimenopause, your sex hormone levels begin to drop and eventually, you’ll find you no longer have periods (the process we call the menopause).

After this your body entirely stops making progesterone and the production of Oestrogen and androgens decreases at a quicker rate, which is why we see the onset of these symptoms around this period of a woman’s life. [7]

 

Higher risk factors for menopause and Dry Eye Disease

One thing of note is that women who experience premature or early menopause (when the final menstrual period happens before the age of forty) are more at risk for androgen deficiency. [8]

Additionally, it may be worth considering the increased risk factor if you’ve been on Oestrogen tablets or the pill, have had surgical removal of the ovaries, or have suffered from an eating disorder that’s placed stress on the body. You can get tested for this deficiency, however, due to the levels naturally being so low in women, it’s difficult to do so.

If you’re looking into testing your levels to work out the cause of your Dry Eye Disease then make sure you get your blood taken in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest.

 

Will HRT help dry eyes?

Most doctors would recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for alleviating particularly troublesome symptoms of menopause. Traditionally HRT replaces Oestrogen and progesterone which will fall during this period of a woman’s life. [9] However, HRT usually treats hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep issues rather than Dry Eye disease. You may be considering this treatment to soothe your dry eyes but unfortunately, research hasn’t yet proven the benefits of it.

While some studies show a small amount of improvement in the alleviation of symptoms, the largest cross-sectional study to date found that long-term use of HRT increases the risk of Dry Eye symptoms. Essentially the longer women stayed on hormone replacement therapy the worse and more frequent their Dry Eye symptoms became. [10]

So even if you were only experiencing mild Dry Eye symptoms during perimenopause, you may find that once you start treatment, you experience the onset of Dry Eye Disease.

 

 

Treating Dry Eye Syndrome during menopause

With the effects of HRT in mind, it’s important to consider how your treatments of Dry Eye symptoms will impact your treatment of other menopausal symptoms, and visa versa. HRT can help alleviate some menopausal symptoms but research shows that the treatment can make Dry Eye Disease worse.

However, many usual recommendations for Dry Eye are lifestyle suggestions that may boost your overall health. Eating well, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep can all help battle that dry, itchy feeling while decreasing screen time can boost your mood as well!

If you’re usually a fan of contact lenses, make sure you’re also grabbing those glasses every now and then to give your eyes a break. Hydrating eye drops in the mornings and evening can help soothe your eyes, and make sure you’re limiting stress where you can. [11]

If your dry eyes are chronic or causing large problems in your life the VISUshop site has a wide range of products for treatment and prevention you can check out here .

 

For more information on Dry Eye and Menopause, take a look at our other blogs on the subject, and what you can do to alleviate your dry, itchy eyes.

 

References

1. ‘What’s the Link between Dry Eye and Menopause?’ Dryeyecare.net, 08/04/21, Last Accessed January 2024
2. ‘Dry Eyes and Menopause Demystified’, Balance by Newson Health, 24/06/23, Last Accessed January 2024
3. ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’, Association of Optometrists, Last Accessed January 2024
4. ‘Dry Eye Symptoms’, Dry Eye and Me, Last Accessed January 2024
5. Lazarus, Russel, ‘Dry Eye and Menopause’, Optometrists.org, 09/09/2020, Last Accessed January 2024
6. Millar, Helen, ‘Dry Eyes and Menopause: What to Know’, Medical News Today, 18/09/23, Last Accessed January 2024
7. ‘The Link Between Menopause and Dry Eye’, Slingsby & Huot Eye Associates, Last Accessed January 2024
8. ‘Androgen Deficiency in Women’, Better Health Channel, Last Accessed January 2024
9. ‘About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)’, NHS, Accessed January 2024
10. Osborn, Corrinne, ‘Menopause and Dry Eyes: What’s the Link?’, Healthline, Last Accessed January 2024
11. ‘Dry Eyes: The Unexpected Symptom of Perimenopause and Menopause’, The Latte Lounge, 26/09/22, Last Accessed January 2024

Hay Fever Season: How to Fight Dry Eye When You Step Outside 

Hay Fever, dry eye disease, or something else entirely?

 

Are dry eyes ruining your morning run? Do you struggle on your commute? Scared to wear makeup now for fear of it streaming down your face by the time you step into the office? Don’t worry, you’re not alone – and this doesn’t need to be a constant battle. 

 

Dry Eye or hay fever?

 

Often, people find that dry eyes are worse in the morning or before they go to bed. The first step to tackling your health problems is to work out its root cause. It could be dry eye disease causing your troubles, or it could be hay fever and allergy symptoms. 

 

Hay fever and seasonal allergies affect everyone in different ways. When hay fever season starts up (usually late March to September) you’ll see the symptoms worsening. From sneezing fits, to a runny nose and dry itchy eyes, hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen which is a common pollutant in the air. There is no current cure for hay fever, but you can take a medication called antihistamines to lessen its effect. [1]  

 

 

Some people do experience hay fever in the winter. This can be due to a number of reasons like living in a warmer climate where plants may not go dormant and therefore release pollen all year long. If you suffer from Allergic Rhinitis (which pollen is the most common cause of) you can also experience similar hay fever symptoms due to mould, pet dander, and even dust mites – all of which may feel worse due to being indoors more! Often people will mistake this for a common cold, but if you’re feeling itchy, think hay fever. If you’re feeling achy, think cold. 

 

It can be really tricky to work out if your symptoms are caused by dry eye disease or hay fever, but there are some key distinctions. If your dry eye symptoms improve in autumn and winter, it’s likely caused by a pollen allergy, rather than dry eye disease. Additionally, if you’ve also experienced cold-like symptoms such as a dry throat and runny nose, and you’re not experiencing a sensitivity to light or a gritty feeling in your eyes, it’s more likely to be hay fever and allergy symptoms. [2] 

 

Other conditions that could be causing your dry eye

 

If your dry eye symptoms hit before you’ve even had a chance to take a step out of the door though, then it’s time to consider other possible causes. Nocturnal Lagophthalmos can make it difficult to close your eye completely at night, leading to air exposure which worsens dry eye symptoms in the morning. [3] This condition has to be treated properly or it can lead to impaired vision. [4] 

 

Another possible explanation for painful, inflamed eyes in the morning is Blepharitis which is an inflammation along the edges of the eyelid. You may find your eyelids are crusty and itchy when you wake up, and you can even have issues opening your eyes. [5]

 

 

Other possible explanations for your dry eyes in the mornings

You may even find that certain medications that you take at bedtime can cause dry eye symptoms in the morning. Even antihistamines that you may take to lessen the symptoms of hay fever during the day can cause eyes to feel dry in the morning. [6]

 

Sleeping with air conditioning and heating units can also affect the way your eyes feel and your dry eye symptoms in the morning, as can your environment. [7] This can be a simple fix that will go a long way to improving your life. 

 

Many factors can cause dry, itchy, and even sore eyes when you wake up. Hormonal fluctuations and age can also contribute, so if you’ve noticed that you’re tearing up in the mornings more often as you approach your 60s, you’re not alone and you don’t need to worry. 

 

Luckily, many of the treatments for dry eye syndrome can soothe these symptoms and leave you feeling ready to start your day. 

 

Treating Dry Eye in the mornings 

 

If your symptoms most closely match dry eye and they worsen in the mornings then there are ways you can take action and treat it. Create a morning and evening routine that will help rather than harm. The hot air from hair dryers can worsen eye dryness so towel dry your hair instead. Use eye drops before bed to moisten your eyes. You can even wash your eyelids and use a warm compress if you’re looking to soothe chronic dry eye symptoms. [8]

 

Take a look at our 10 Tips To Ease Dry Eye at Night blog, as many of these tips will relieve symptoms the morning after as well. [9] 

 

Whether it’s hay fever and seasonal allergies, or dry eye disease, eye drops can definitely help you feel a little brighter and soothe painful, itchy eyes. VisuXL® Gel eye drops can lubricate your eyes for up to twelve hours using a thicker moisture barrier. Use them day and night! 

 

 

The best way to fight dry eyes when you step outside is good preparation. That includes working out what’s causing your irritation so you best know how to tackle it. To fight dry eyes in the morning a great routine for the morning and night will help relieve symptoms, as well as to make sure you’re supporting your overall eye health. Follow these tips for the hay fever season and beyond to feel ready to take on the day without dry eye disease bringing you down. 

 

We hope this article has answered your Dry Eye questions. However, if not please reach out to us on our socials, join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and discover more advice to help your eyes.

 

References

1. NHS Inform, “Hay fever.”, Last Accessed November 2023.
2. NI Direct, “Hay fever”, Last Accessed November 2023.
3. Lazarus, Russel. “Why is Dry Eye Worse in the Mornings?” Optometrists.org, Last Accessed November 2023.
4. Eye Clinic London, “Waking Up With Dry Eyes: Causes & Treatment.”, Last Accessed November 2023.
5. Mayo Clinic, “Blepharitis – Symptoms & Causes.”, Last Accessed November 2023.
6. Professional Vision | Ellicott City Eye Doctors, Eye Exam, Eyewear, “Why Are My Eyes Dry in the Morning?”, Last Accessed November 2023.
7. A. Vogel, “3 Reasons you have Dry Eyes in the Morning.” Last Accessed November 2023.
8. Griff, Ann Marie, “9 Tips for Your Daily Routine with Chronic Dry Eye”, Healthline, Last Accessed November 2023.
9. Wang, Michael TM. “10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night.” Dry Eye And Me, Last Accessed 6 November 2023.

Dry Eye and Sjögren’s Syndrome

Did you know that approximately one in ten patients with Dry Eye Disease also have Sjögren’s syndrome?[1] If you have both conditions, we’re here to support you. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the relationship between the two conditions and how you can treat them.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition, meaning that instead of protecting the body from abnormal cells, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissue.[2] In this case, it affects the parts of the body that create fluids, like tears and saliva.[3] The condition can occur on its own or with other diseases linked to the immune system, like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause dry eyes.[4] For more information on this condition, visit our blog: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

How are Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease linked?

Sjögren’s syndrome usually appears in people aged 40-60.[3] As with Dry Eye Syndrome, it is much more common in women than men, with women nine times more likely to have Sjögren’s syndrome.[3][4] While there isn’t yet a definitive answer as to why Sjögren’s syndrome affects women more than men, researchers believe it could be linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels drop after menopause, which aligns with the ages that Sjögren’s syndrome appears.[5] To find out more about dry eyes and menopause, visit our blog: 5 Things You Need to Know About Menopause and Dry Eye

Overall, Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease are linked because of the immune system’s attack on tear glands. It limits the production of tears that would usually add moisture to your eyes, resulting in dry eyes.[6] Read on to find out more about the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes.

 

What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes?

There are a whole host of Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms to look out for! These include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Tiredness
• Vaginal dryness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Swollen salivary glands
• Rashes [3]

Because of the lack of tears being produced, people might notice Dry Eye symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Aching eyes
• Eyes feel heavy
• Eyes feel sore
• Eyes feel gritty or sandy
• Eyes are red
• Eyes are blurry
• Feeling fatigued

For more symptoms of dry eyes, visit our web page: Symptoms of Dry Eye

How do you treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome?

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.[3] Follow these steps:

 

Stay hydrated

Adding more water to your body is a great way to combat dry eyes. Experts recommend drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your body completely hydrated.[7] To help you do this, buy a labelled water bottle or keep a note of how much water you are drinking per day.

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol is bad for dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome as it can dehydrate your body. As both conditions already do this, symptoms are intensified. Click here for more information: Is Drinking Alcohol Bad For Your Eyes?

Eat well

What you eat can affect your eyes and health in general. You can support yourself by adding vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as Vitamin A, E and C.[8] Read more about eye health: 6 Vitamins for Dry Eyes

Consider moisture chamber goggles

Did you know wearing glasses can reduce tear evaporation by up to 30%? This can be maximised by wearing moisture chamber goggles.[2] These can be worn in the day, but it’s also a good idea to sleep in them. Find out more here: 10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night

Use eye drops

Lubricating your eyes is one of the best ways to treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome. To find out whether you should opt for eye drops or eye gel for dry eyes, read this useful resource: Eye Drops vs Eye Gel for the Treatment of Dry Eyes

 

For more information about conditions related to dry eyes, visit our blog: 6 Conditions that Cause Dry Eye.

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

References

1. Akpek EK, Bunya VY, Saldanha IJ. ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome: More Than Just Dry Eye’, Cornea, National Library of Medicine, 2019 May;38(5):658-661. Accessed July 2023.
2. NHS Inform, ‘Sjogren’s syndrome’, 23/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.
3. NHS, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’, 21/04/2020. Accessed July 2023.
4. Women’s Health Research Institute, ‘Sjogren’s Syndrome More Common in Women’. Accessed July 2023.
5. Arthritis Foundation, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’. Accessed July 2023.
6. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome’, 01/2021. Accessed July 2023.
7. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes?’. Accessed July 2023.
8. Meixner, M. ‘The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health’, 16/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos and Dry Eye

Did you know that approximately one in ten patients with Dry Eye Disease also have Sjögren’s syndrome?[1] If you have both conditions, we’re here to support you. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the relationship between the two conditions and how you can treat them.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition, meaning that instead of protecting the body from abnormal cells, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissue.[2] In this case, it affects the parts of the body that create fluids, like tears and saliva.[3] The condition can occur on its own or with other diseases linked to the immune system, like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause dry eyes.[4] For more information on this condition, visit our blog: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

How are Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease linked?

Sjögren’s syndrome usually appears in people aged 40-60.[3] As with Dry Eye Syndrome, it is much more common in women than men, with women nine times more likely to have Sjögren’s syndrome.[3][4] While there isn’t yet a definitive answer as to why Sjögren’s syndrome affects women more than men, researchers believe it could be linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels drop after menopause, which aligns with the ages that Sjögren’s syndrome appears.[5] To find out more about dry eyes and menopause, visit our blog: 5 Things You Need to Know About Menopause and Dry Eye

Overall, Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease are linked because of the immune system’s attack on tear glands. It limits the production of tears that would usually add moisture to your eyes, resulting in dry eyes.[6] Read on to find out more about the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes.

 

What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes?

There are a whole host of Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms to look out for! These include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Tiredness
• Vaginal dryness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Swollen salivary glands
• Rashes [3]

Because of the lack of tears being produced, people might notice Dry Eye symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Aching eyes
• Eyes feel heavy
• Eyes feel sore
• Eyes feel gritty or sandy
• Eyes are red
• Eyes are blurry
• Feeling fatigued

For more symptoms of dry eyes, visit our web page: Symptoms of Dry Eye

How do you treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome?

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.[3] Follow these steps:

 

Stay hydrated

Adding more water to your body is a great way to combat dry eyes. Experts recommend drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your body completely hydrated.[7] To help you do this, buy a labelled water bottle or keep a note of how much water you are drinking per day.

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol is bad for dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome as it can dehydrate your body. As both conditions already do this, symptoms are intensified. Click here for more information: Is Drinking Alcohol Bad For Your Eyes?

Eat well

What you eat can affect your eyes and health in general. You can support yourself by adding vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as Vitamin A, E and C.[8] Read more about eye health: 6 Vitamins for Dry Eyes

Consider moisture chamber goggles

Did you know wearing glasses can reduce tear evaporation by up to 30%? This can be maximised by wearing moisture chamber goggles.[2] These can be worn in the day, but it’s also a good idea to sleep in them. Find out more here: 10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night

Use eye drops

Lubricating your eyes is one of the best ways to treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome. To find out whether you should opt for eye drops or eye gel for dry eyes, read this useful resource: Eye Drops vs Eye Gel for the Treatment of Dry Eyes

 

For more information about conditions related to dry eyes, visit our blog: 6 Conditions that Cause Dry Eye.

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

References

1. Akpek EK, Bunya VY, Saldanha IJ. ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome: More Than Just Dry Eye’, Cornea, National Library of Medicine, 2019 May;38(5):658-661. Accessed July 2023.
2. NHS Inform, ‘Sjogren’s syndrome’, 23/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.
3. NHS, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’, 21/04/2020. Accessed July 2023.
4. Women’s Health Research Institute, ‘Sjogren’s Syndrome More Common in Women’. Accessed July 2023.
5. Arthritis Foundation, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’. Accessed July 2023.
6. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome’, 01/2021. Accessed July 2023.
7. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes?’. Accessed July 2023.
8. Meixner, M. ‘The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health’, 16/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

Did you know that approximately one in ten patients with Dry Eye Disease also have Sjögren’s syndrome?[1] If you have both conditions, we’re here to support you. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the relationship between the two conditions and how you can treat them.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition, meaning that instead of protecting the body from abnormal cells, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissue.[2] In this case, it affects the parts of the body that create fluids, like tears and saliva.[3] The condition can occur on its own or with other diseases linked to the immune system, like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause dry eyes.[4] For more information on this condition, visit our blog: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

How are Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease linked?

Sjögren’s syndrome usually appears in people aged 40-60.[3] As with Dry Eye Syndrome, it is much more common in women than men, with women nine times more likely to have Sjögren’s syndrome.[3][4] While there isn’t yet a definitive answer as to why Sjögren’s syndrome affects women more than men, researchers believe it could be linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels drop after menopause, which aligns with the ages that Sjögren’s syndrome appears.[5] To find out more about dry eyes and menopause, visit our blog: 5 Things You Need to Know About Menopause and Dry Eye

Overall, Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease are linked because of the immune system’s attack on tear glands. It limits the production of tears that would usually add moisture to your eyes, resulting in dry eyes.[6] Read on to find out more about the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes.

 

What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes?

There are a whole host of Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms to look out for! These include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Tiredness
• Vaginal dryness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Swollen salivary glands
• Rashes [3]

Because of the lack of tears being produced, people might notice Dry Eye symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Aching eyes
• Eyes feel heavy
• Eyes feel sore
• Eyes feel gritty or sandy
• Eyes are red
• Eyes are blurry
• Feeling fatigued

For more symptoms of dry eyes, visit our web page: Symptoms of Dry Eye

How do you treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome?

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.[3] Follow these steps:

 

Stay hydrated

Adding more water to your body is a great way to combat dry eyes. Experts recommend drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your body completely hydrated.[7] To help you do this, buy a labelled water bottle or keep a note of how much water you are drinking per day.

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol is bad for dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome as it can dehydrate your body. As both conditions already do this, symptoms are intensified. Click here for more information: Is Drinking Alcohol Bad For Your Eyes?

Eat well

What you eat can affect your eyes and health in general. You can support yourself by adding vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as Vitamin A, E and C.[8] Read more about eye health: 6 Vitamins for Dry Eyes

Consider moisture chamber goggles

Did you know wearing glasses can reduce tear evaporation by up to 30%? This can be maximised by wearing moisture chamber goggles.[2] These can be worn in the day, but it’s also a good idea to sleep in them. Find out more here: 10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night

Use eye drops

Lubricating your eyes is one of the best ways to treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome. To find out whether you should opt for eye drops or eye gel for dry eyes, read this useful resource: Eye Drops vs Eye Gel for the Treatment of Dry Eyes

 

For more information about conditions related to dry eyes, visit our blog: 6 Conditions that Cause Dry Eye.

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

References

1. Akpek EK, Bunya VY, Saldanha IJ. ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome: More Than Just Dry Eye’, Cornea, National Library of Medicine, 2019 May;38(5):658-661. Accessed July 2023.
2. NHS Inform, ‘Sjogren’s syndrome’, 23/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.
3. NHS, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’, 21/04/2020. Accessed July 2023.
4. Women’s Health Research Institute, ‘Sjogren’s Syndrome More Common in Women’. Accessed July 2023.
5. Arthritis Foundation, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’. Accessed July 2023.
6. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome’, 01/2021. Accessed July 2023.
7. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes?’. Accessed July 2023.
8. Meixner, M. ‘The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health’, 16/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.

Blepharitis and Dry Eye

Did you know that approximately one in ten patients with Dry Eye Disease also have Sjögren’s syndrome?[1] If you have both conditions, we’re here to support you. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the relationship between the two conditions and how you can treat them.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition, meaning that instead of protecting the body from abnormal cells, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissue.[2] In this case, it affects the parts of the body that create fluids, like tears and saliva.[3] The condition can occur on its own or with other diseases linked to the immune system, like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause dry eyes.[4] For more information on this condition, visit our blog: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dry Eye

How are Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease linked?

Sjögren’s syndrome usually appears in people aged 40-60.[3] As with Dry Eye Syndrome, it is much more common in women than men, with women nine times more likely to have Sjögren’s syndrome.[3][4] While there isn’t yet a definitive answer as to why Sjögren’s syndrome affects women more than men, researchers believe it could be linked to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels drop after menopause, which aligns with the ages that Sjögren’s syndrome appears.[5] To find out more about dry eyes and menopause, visit our blog: 5 Things You Need to Know About Menopause and Dry Eye

Overall, Sjögren’s syndrome and Dry Eye Disease are linked because of the immune system’s attack on tear glands. It limits the production of tears that would usually add moisture to your eyes, resulting in dry eyes.[6] Read on to find out more about the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes.

 

What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eyes?

There are a whole host of Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms to look out for! These include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Tiredness
• Vaginal dryness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Swollen salivary glands
• Rashes [3]

Because of the lack of tears being produced, people might notice Dry Eye symptoms such as:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Aching eyes
• Eyes feel heavy
• Eyes feel sore
• Eyes feel gritty or sandy
• Eyes are red
• Eyes are blurry
• Feeling fatigued

For more symptoms of dry eyes, visit our web page: Symptoms of Dry Eye

How do you treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome?

There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.[3] Follow these steps:

 

Stay hydrated

Adding more water to your body is a great way to combat dry eyes. Experts recommend drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day to keep your body completely hydrated.[7] To help you do this, buy a labelled water bottle or keep a note of how much water you are drinking per day.

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol is bad for dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome as it can dehydrate your body. As both conditions already do this, symptoms are intensified. Click here for more information: Is Drinking Alcohol Bad For Your Eyes?

Eat well

What you eat can affect your eyes and health in general. You can support yourself by adding vitamins and minerals into your diet, such as Vitamin A, E and C.[8] Read more about eye health: 6 Vitamins for Dry Eyes

Consider moisture chamber goggles

Did you know wearing glasses can reduce tear evaporation by up to 30%? This can be maximised by wearing moisture chamber goggles.[2] These can be worn in the day, but it’s also a good idea to sleep in them. Find out more here: 10 Tips to Ease Dry Eye at Night

Use eye drops

Lubricating your eyes is one of the best ways to treat dry eyes and Sjögren’s syndrome. To find out whether you should opt for eye drops or eye gel for dry eyes, read this useful resource: Eye Drops vs Eye Gel for the Treatment of Dry Eyes

 

For more information about conditions related to dry eyes, visit our blog: 6 Conditions that Cause Dry Eye.

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

References

1. Akpek EK, Bunya VY, Saldanha IJ. ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome: More Than Just Dry Eye’, Cornea, National Library of Medicine, 2019 May;38(5):658-661. Accessed July 2023.
2. NHS Inform, ‘Sjogren’s syndrome’, 23/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.
3. NHS, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’, 21/04/2020. Accessed July 2023.
4. Women’s Health Research Institute, ‘Sjogren’s Syndrome More Common in Women’. Accessed July 2023.
5. Arthritis Foundation, ‘Sjögren’s syndrome’. Accessed July 2023.
6. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, ‘Sjögren’s Syndrome’, 01/2021. Accessed July 2023.
7. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes?’. Accessed July 2023.
8. Meixner, M. ‘The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health’, 16/02/2023. Accessed July 2023.

3-Step Treatment Plan for Dry Eyes

A three-step treatment plan is one of the most effective ways to treat dry eyes. By following these three simple steps, you could reduce your symptoms significantly.

 

Step 1: Use a warm compress

Begin by using a heated compress, such as MeiboPatch®, over your eyes. Lay this over your upper face so that it covers the bridge of your nose, upper and lower eyelids.

You should keep this mask on for seven to 10 minutes, during which time it will gently release warmth which can fluidise secretions that may have blocked the meibomian glands.

After you remove the mask, you should give your dry eyes a gentle eyelid massage to help release the oils from the glands.

Always keep your eyes closed when using a warm compress, and we recommend buying a new MeiboPatch® every 1-2 months, to make sure hygiene measures are followed.[1]

To find out more about our MeiboPatch®, click here: MeiboPatch®

 

Step 2: Wipe your dry eyes

Cleanse and wipe away the melted oil from your meibomian glands, as well as any built-up debris. You should do this with a cleanser like Naviblef®.

Close your dry eyes and massage your eyelids and eyelashes with the foam, then leave it there for around 60-80 seconds. Then, rinse your eyelashes and eyelids with warm water.

Discover more about Naviblef® here: Naviblef® [2]

 

Step 3: Lubricate your dry eyes

Use an effective lubricant like any drop from our VISUfamily range. Depending on your condition, you need to choose an eye drop that will work for you and ease your symptoms.

Find out more about what eye drop for dry eyes would be best for you here: Eye Drops vs Eye Gel For The Treatment of Dry Eyes

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

References

1. MeiboPatch® Instructions for Use (IFU). Accessed February 2023.
2. Naviblef® Instructions for Use (IFU). Accessed February 2023.