Myths:

Dry eyes is just a condition of eyes.

Facts:

The eyes often reflect a larger problem that needs to be treated systemically.

Overview:

Dry eyes, often referred to as Dry Eye Syndrome, is the most frequent patient complaint to eye doctors. About 33 million Americans in all groups experience varying degrees of dry eye syndromes. Like most eye conditions, Dry Eye Syndrome is often related to health conditions in the rest of the body. It is commonly associated with dryness of other mucous membranes, interior body surfaces such as joints and brittle nails. It can also be a sign of digestive imbalances or of more serious systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogrens syndrome or lupus erthematosus.

The proper production of tears basically takes place at three layers:

• The Mucus Layer - is the closest layer to the corneal epithelium. It is produced by the conjunctival goblet cells, and is absorbed by the corneal surface glycoproteins, creating a hydrophilic corneal surface.
• The Aqueous Layer - is between the Mucous and Lipid Layers, and comprises 90% of the tear film's thickness. It is secreted by the lacrimal gland and incorporates all water-soluble components of the tear film (slightly alkaline at pH of 7.4).
• The Lipid Layer - is the most superficial layer. It is produced by the Meibomiam glands with minor contribution from glands of Zeis and Moll. The secretion is a sebaceous material which is fluid at body temperature, and retards evaporation of the acqueous layer and lowers surface tension thereby allowing tear-film to mold itself to the eye's surface.
• The Blink renews the tear film by delivering aqueous and lipid to tear film and sweeping away debris. The normal blink interval is every 5 seconds. Tear film is typically stable for about 10 seconds.

Symptoms:

The typical symptoms include dryness, grittiness, irritation, difficulty reading for long periods of time, burning and even the seeming contradiction of excessive tearing or watering.

Causes:

• Any disruption in the tear production process as desribed in the Overview.
• Blepharitis can often cause dry eye symptoms due to inflammation of the eye lid margins, which is caused by a bacterial infection (Staphylococci). This condition can compromise the quality of the tear film causing tears to evaporate more quickly. The bacteria produce waste material that can cause a mild toxic reaction leading to chronic red, irritated eyes. Click Blepharitis for treatment.
• Computer Users tend to blink much less frequently (about 7 times per minute vs. a normal rate of around 22 times/minute). This leads to increased evaporation along with the fatigue and eye strain associated with staring at a computer monitor. Ideally, computer users should take short breaks about every 20 minutes to reduce this factor. Also, adjusting the monitor so that it is below eye level will allow the upper lid to be positioned lower and cover more of the eye’s surface, again to reduce evaporation.
• LASIK surgery temporarily disrupts the ocular surface/lacrimal gland unit. Also, during LASIK, roughly 60-70% of the superficial nerve fibers in the cornea are severed, which impacts sensation and affects acqueous tears. With compromised sensation, the blink rate can slow to the point where the tear film breaks up before the next blink can reconstitute. This may result in mild to severe dry eye syndrome for many months after surgery. This condition usually eventually clears up.
• Diseases that may be associated with dry eyes include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes (especially when the blood sugar is up), Asthma, Thyroid disease (lower lid does not move when blinking), Lupus, and possibly Glaucoma.
• Age - Tear volume decreases as much as 60% by age 65 from that at age 18. Dry Eye Syndrome affects 75% of people over age 65.
• Hormonal changes for women can cause decreased tear production brought on by pregnancy, lactation, menstruation, and post menopause.
• Other including too much coffee drinking, smoking, wearing contact lenses, air-conditioning or heat.

• Antibiotics
• Blood pressure medications
• Antidepressants
• Diuretics
• Over-the-counter vasoconstrictors (i.e. Visine)
• Antihistamines
• Birth control pills
• Appetite suppressants
• Ulcer medications

Conventional Treatment:

• Artificial Tears: Some form of over-the-counter artificial tears is usually recommended. Although they may provide temporary relief, they merely palliate the symptoms. Worse, the preservatives can aggravate the condition, and can even kill corneal cells. Tears that promise to “get the red out?will reduce circulation in the eye, decrease production of the tear film, and worse, eventually make your eyes even drier.
• Punctal Occlusion: Punctal occlusion is a procedure used to help dry eye patients by closing the tear drainage canals with silicone plugs, which keep most of the fluid from the surface of the eye. This may provide long-term relief.

Tests that can be performed by an eye doctor include the following:

• Rose Bengal staining pattern
• Tear film break-up time (<10 seconds)
• Schirmer tear test
• Tear Osmolarity
• Tear protein levels (lactorerrin and lysozyme)
• Evaluation of debris in tear film
• Conjunctival impression cytoloty
• Presence of corneal filaments

Complementary Treatment:

To order either "Click Here" for the complete product list or click on any product below for a greater description or also to order.

If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222).

Mild Condition:

LIST OF HOMEOPATHIC EYEDROPS NOW AVAILABLE: (all homeopathic eyedrops are $20 per bottle (or $18 on automatic delivery).

Allergy Desensitization Homeopathic Eye Drops for general dry eye symptoms related to allergies.
Dry Eye Drop Homeopathic Formula for Women for general dry eye symptoms that may also be affected by hormonal changes.
Dry Eye Drop Homeopathic Formula for Men for general dry eye symptoms for men.
Dry Eye Drop Homeopathic Formula for Post Laser Surgery for general dry eye symptoms that affected by Laser surgery.
Homeopathic PrimaVu Eye Wash - botanical cleansing formula for the Eyes affected by irritant exposure, foreign impurities, air pollution, chlorine, etc. Potent natural formula of HPUS 4X Euphrasia (Eyebright) and German Chamomile tinctures to flush, cleanse and refresh your eyes. Each Eye Wash package contains an eye cup sealed in a clear protective pouch. Makes an excellent once-a-day cleanser and companion to other eyedrop treatments during periods of exceptional dryness, or when exposed to persistent environmental irritants. Cost is $8 per bottle.
Homeopathic PrimaVu Eye Drops Acuta is excellent for dry, irritated eyes due to allergens like pollen, environmental irritants & smog, itchiness and mild burning, etc. Soothing & cleansing relief, utilizing a unique, robust natural formulation of HPUS 3X dilutions of Eyebright, Fennel & Yellow Sweet Clover tinctures, to support your eye’s natural abilities to alleviate irritation, redness and soreness. Cost is $10 per bottle.

Other Eyedrops:

Essential: VIVA-Drops from Advanced Pharmaceuticals. Adds vitamin A directly to your eyes. Cost to you is $12 per bottle, and/or
Very Important: Carlson's Fine Fish Oil is in liquid form. One bottle contains 6.7 fluid ounces, and 1 teaspoon contains 1600 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA), plus 14 mg of antioxidants to preserve freshness. Studies have shown that the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids to one's diet can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms. Recommended dosage is 2-3 teaspoonfuls per day. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).

OR IF YOU ARE VEGETARIAN

Very Important: Essential Fatty Acid (EFA)- contains Certified Organic flax oil, Borage oil, Evening primrose oil, lecithin, with natural ascorbic acid and rosemary extract to protect freshness and natural flavor. This formula is completely vegetarian, and comes in an 8oz bottle. Cost is $12 per bottle ($11 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 1-3 teaspoons daily.

Helpful: Vision Tone Formula by Integral Health Apothecary. Includes a combination of Chinese and Western herbs to strengthen the eyes. Cost is $22 per bottle ($20.00 automatic delivery price). Recommended dosage is 1/2 dropperful 2 times a day for prevention, or 3 times a day for treatment. Best times to take the herbs are when you get up in the morning, and in the afternoon between 4 and 6 o'clock. Herbs should preferably not be taken with meals.
Precaution: This product is taken internally only. Do not use as eyedrops on the eyes.
Helpful: Digestive Care: As we age, we produce less enzymes needed for absorbing essential nutrients from food. Digestive Care by RightFoods?is designed to aid in replacing these lost enzymes, providing a full-spectrum of seven plant-sourced enzymes to support optimal digestion and absorption. This formula also includes intestinal bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote improved intestinal flora for digestion. Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day with meals. Each bottle contains 30 capsules. Cost is $13 per bottle ($11 on automatic delivery).

Moderate to Severe Conditions:

LIST OF HOMEOPATHIC EYEDROPS NOW AVAILABLE: (all homeopathic eyedrops are $14 per bottle (or $12 on automatic delivery).

Essential: Allergy Desensitization Homeopathic Eye Drops for general dry eye symptoms related to allergies.
Essential: Dry Eye Drop Homeopathic Formula for Women for general dry eye symptoms that may be affected by hormonal changes.
Essential: Dry Eye Drop Homeopathic Formula for Men for general dry eye symptoms for men.
Essential: Dry Eye Drop Homeopathic Formula for Post Laser Surgery for general dry eye symptoms that affected by Laser surgery.

Essential: BioTears Capsules is a unique blend of omega-3 and omega-6 acids, mucin complex and nutritional cofactors that help address the root causes of Dry Eye Syndrome. We have found this formula to be particularly helpful to people with tough, chronic dry eye problems. Recommended dosage is 4 capsules per day. There are 120 capsules per bottle.. Cost is $32 per bottle ($30 on automatic delivery).
Essential: VIVA-Drops from Advanced Pharmaceuticals. Adds vitamin A directly to your eyes. Cost is $12 per bottle.
Very Important: Carlson's Fine Fish Oil is in liquid form. One bottle contains 6.7 fluid ounces, and 1 teaspoon contains 1600 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA), plus 14 mg of antioxidants to preserve freshness. Studies have shown that the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids to one's diet can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms. Recommended dosage is 2-3 teaspoonfuls per day. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery). OR IF YOU ARE VEGETARIAN try Essential Fatty Acid Complex
Helpful: Vision Tone Formula by Integral Health Apothecary. Includes a combination of Chinese and Western herbs to strengthen the eyes. Cost is $48 per months supply. Recommended dosage is 1/2 dropperful 2 times a day for prevention, or 3 times a day for treatment. Best times to take the herbs are when you get up in the morning, and in the afternoon between 4 and 6 o'clock. Herbs should preferably not be taken with meals.

NOTE: Take products for one month, then cut back depending on results, starting with TheraTears.

Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)

Helpful: Digestive Care: As we age, we produce less enzymes needed for absorbing essential nutrients from food. Digestive Care by RightFoods?is designed to aid in replacing these lost enzymes, providing a full-spectrum of seven plant-sourced enzymes to support optimal digestion and absorption. This formula also includes intestinal bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote improved intestinal flora for digestion. Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day with meals. Each bottle contains 30 capsules. Cost is $13 per bottle ($11 on automatic delivery).

Automatic delivery is available. Click Here for more information.

Self Help:

Nutrition

The Vision Diet, described in Natural Eye Care, co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., lists a number of lifestyle sugestions including the following:

• Make sure to eat lots of green leafy vegetables.
• Avoid sugar and/or artificial sweeteners: Consumption of more than 11 teaspoons of sugar a day has been linked to dry eye syndrome (a single can of soda contains approximately 9 teaspoons of sugar. Sugar is hidden throughout processed and refined foods including cereals, ketchup, and salad dressings.
• Avoid the toxic fats in commercial red meat, dairy products, fried foods and hydrogenated oils (such as margarine and shortening). These fats interfere with the proper metabolism of essential fatty acids in the body and are indirect causes of dry eye syndrome. Eat organic or free range whenever possible.
• Avoid coffee and smoking
• Avoid hydrogenated and transfatty acid containing foods (i.e.: margarine, most chips ... read labels).
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
• Avoid any foods you may be allergic to. ry cutting out categories of foods for a week at a time, and see how you feel, or visit an allergist for testing. Typical allergenic foods include nightshades (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes and cucumbers), milk, wheat, and corn (or products with corn in it).

Other Recommendations

• Use a humidifier at home and/or at work to keep the air from drying out in the winter.
• Remember to blink, especially while working at the computer.
• Check your medications for any side effects that may cause dry eyes.
• Gently massage upper and lower lids, a couple of times a day to stimulate the tear glands.