Natural Solutions for Brighter, More Comfortable Eyes

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🩺 WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: GENTLE REMEDIES TO RESTORE EYE COMFORT

I was first diagnosed with severe dry eyes when I was only twenty-eight years old. For many, this condition is mild and merely a nuissance—one easily remedied with over-the-counter eye drops. For others, the lack of moisture on their corneas can become entirely debilitating, leading to abrasions, ulcers and even corneal nerve damage. I know all too well how living with dry eyes can transcend ordinary discomfort to become an all-consuming preoccupation that reshapes every dimension of daily existence. What often begins as minor irritation can escalate into burning pain that transforms even the simplest activities into insurmountable challenges. The breeze from an air-conditioner can leave your eyes as parched as the Sahara desert; even watching television can become an agonizing undertaking. For many patients, the quest for relief becomes a journey through an overwhelming maze of specialists, opinions, and treatments—from pharmaceutical drops to alternative approaches like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary protocols.

My own personal journey through the wilderness of dry eye treatments taught me that effectively managing this condition goes beyond pharmaceutical drops and requires a holistic approach that addresses the environmental and lifestyle dimensions of living with this misunderstood condition. Eye care professionals will often tell you that dry eye is self-limitating and will restrict the entirety of their focus to treating your symptoms. While this may provide some short-term relief, ultimately, dry eyes are a downstream effect, linked to underlying conditions that disrupt tear production or quality.

Some of the most common underlying conditions associated with dry eye syndrome are:

1. Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis) - These conditions, particularly Sjögren’s, attack moisture-producing glands, reducing tear output. Sjögren’s is a leading cause, with 10-20% of patients experiencing severe dry eye.

2. Hormonal Imbalances (e.g., Menopause, Thyroid Disorders) - Estrogen and androgen fluctuations, especially during menopause, impair tear film stability. Thyroid issues, like hypothyroidism, can also reduce tear secretion, affecting up to 15% of dry eye cases.

3. Gut Conditions (e.g., Leaky Gut, SIBO, IBD, Dysbiosis) - Collectively, these disrupt the microbiome or increase systemic inflammation via cytokines, potentially affecting tear production or ocular surface health. Some studies show that germ-free mice develop worse dry eye symptoms, and Sjögren’s patients often have reduced gut bacterial diversity, correlating with disease severity.

4. Allergic Conjunctivitis or Atopy - Chronic allergies inflame the ocular surface, disrupting tear production. Studies suggest 20-30% of allergic conjunctivitis patients develop dry eye symptoms.

5. Chronic Inflammatory Conditions (e.g., Rosacea, Blepharitis) - Ocular rosacea causes eyelid inflammation and gland dysfunction, contributing to 10-15% of dry eye cases.

With this in mind, improving eye health at a foundational level entails addressing any underlying issues that might be contributing to reduced tear quality or production.

Understanding Dry Eye: More Than Meets the Eye (No Pun Intended)

Dry eye disease (DED), also known as ocular surface disease (OSD), occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This seemingly simple issue can have complex causes and manifestations. Understanding the specific type of dry eye you're experiencing is crucial for effective treatment.

Breaking Down the Types of Dry Eye

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Accounting for approximately 80% of all dry eye cases, MGD occurs when the oil-producing meibomian glands in your eyelids become clogged or dysfunctional. These glands produce the essential oil layer that prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly. When they don't work properly, your tears evaporate rapidly, leaving your eyes unprotected and uncomfortable.

Signs of MGD include:

• Reduced Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) – healthy eyes maintain tears for over 10 seconds before breaking up

• Meibomian gland dropout (loss of functioning glands), as visible on a meibography scan

• Formation of keratin scales on eyelid margins

Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye

This type occurs when your lacrimal glands don't produce enough of the watery component of tears. Your eye care professional can identify this through:

• Measuring tear meniscus height (TMH) – normally between 0.2-0.4 mm.

• Performing a Schirmer's Test – healthy eyes produce more than 10 mm of tears in 5 minutes.

Mixed Dry Eye

Many patients experience a combination of both MGD and aqueous deficiency, creating a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment approaches.

Blepharitis: The Inflammatory Factor

Dry eye is often complicated by blepharitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the eyelids:

• Anterior Blepharitis affects the outer portion of the eyelid and lashes, commonly caused by bacterial infections, Demodex mite infestations, or dermatological conditions.

• Posterior Blepharitis affects the inner eyelid margin and is often synonymous with MGD.

Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes

1. Manuka Honey: 

Studies have highlighted its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and bacterial presence in the meibomian glands, thereby improving their function. While over-the-counter formulations exist for eye care, you can be economical and purchase UMF 10+ manuka honey in a jar and apply it directly to your lid margins. Honey naturally resists bacterial contamination (just ask King Tut) and a container will last you for years.

• Reduces Eyelid Bacteria: A 2017 study demonstrated that Optimel Manuka honey treatments, used as adjuncts to conventional therapies like warm compresses and lid massage, significantly improved meibomian gland expressibility and reduced bacterial counts on the eyelids. 

• Improves Meibum Quality: Another study in 2021 found that Optimel 16% Manuka honey eye drops significantly improved symptoms and objective signs of MGD, including tear film break-up time and meibum quality.
  
  Optimel Manuka+ Eye Gel is a preservative-free formula crafted from pharmaceutical-grade Manuka honey. Designed to support healing in dry, irritated, or inflamed eyes, this gentle gel helps restore the natural balance of the ocular surface.

2. Autologous Serum Tears and FAB for Dry Eye Relief:

AST and FAB are derived from a patient's own blood serum, which is rich in growth factors, vitamins, and antioxidants. These components mimic the natural composition of tears, promoting ocular surface healing and regeneration. To prepare serum, the whole blood is spun through a centrifuge, separating the red and white blood cells. This serum is then diluted to 20% with saline or artificial tears. AST have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-microbial properties, making them effective in managing various forms of dry eye syndrome.

• Better Than Artificial Tears: A systematic review found that AST outperformed artificial tears in improving subjective symptoms and objective measures such as tear film break-up time in patients with dry eye.

• Works for Autoimmune Dry Eye: AST have been successfully used in treating severe dry eye conditions, including aqueous-deficient dry eye and Sjögren’s syndrome.

The following is a video from the NHS in the UK showing FAB (fingerprick autologous blood), a novel treatment for dry eyes that can be performed at home:

3. Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, including low-level light therapy (LLLT), has emerged as a promising adjunct in managing meibomian gland dysfunction and resolving chalazia. This non-invasive treatment enhances cellular function by improving mitochondrial activity, which boosts energy production within cells, facilitating repair and reducing inflammation.

• Improvement in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Red light therapy aids in unclogging meibomian glands, which are essential for producing the lipid layer of tears, thereby preventing evaporation and maintaining eye moisture

• Resolution of Chalazia: A study on low-level light therapy (LLLT) demonstrated significant resolution of recalcitrant chalazia (blockages of the meibomian glands), with 46% of eyes showing resolution after a single treatment, and up to 92% after a second treatment. 

• Improvement in Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT): A 2022 study showed dry eye patients exposed to 10 minutes of 590 nm red light therapy on an LED device for 4 weeks experienced improvements in meibomian gland expression and improved tear film stability.

Red light therapy doesn’t have to be complicated—often, a simple bulb screwed into a basic lamp holder from the hardware store will do the trick. I personally use this inexpensive bulb from Amazon, which combines both red light and near-infrared wavelengths for a more complete treatment.

4. Harnessing Castor Oil for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Relief

Castor oil has emerged as a promising natural remedy for managing meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help reduce inflammation and bacterial presence in the meibomian glands, thereby improving their function.

• Low-Concentration Castor Oil Eye Drops: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial demonstrated that low-concentration homogenized castor oil eye drops significantly improved symptoms and objective signs of MGD, including tear break-up time and meibomian gland orifice obstruction. The study found these eye drops to be safe and effective in treating noninflamed obstructive MGD.

•  Periocular Application: Another study showed that applying castor oil to the periocular skin (the skin around the eyes, including the eyelids) twice daily for four weeks resulted in significant improvements in patients with mild to moderate anterior blepharitis and MGD. This approach was well-tolerated and convenient, with no adverse events reported.

• Mechanism of Action: Castor oil's main constituent, ricinoleic acid, enhances lipid spreading characteristics and reduces aqueous tear evaporation by supplementing deficient physiological tear film lipids.

5. Breast Milk

Breast milk, rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, and oligosaccharides, provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and has been explored as a treatment for eye infections, particularly in infants. When my eyes were at their worst, my sister-in-law was kind enough to provide me with some of her breast milk after the recent birth of my niece. I put the milk in eye droppers and found it incredibly soothing.

• Eye Discharge in Infants: A randomized controlled study found that breast milk eye drops were non-inferior to conventional treatments for eye discharge in infants aged six months or younger. This suggests breast milk could be considered a first-line treatment for such conditions.

• Corneal Wound Healing: Research using animal models has shown that human breast milk can enhance corneal wound healing by promoting re-epithelialization and increasing cellular proliferation. This indicates potential benefits for treating corneal injuries.

• Dry Eye Syndrome: A mouse model study demonstrated that whole and fat-reduced human milk could prevent loss of corneal epithelial thickness and epithelial damage, similar to the effects of cyclosporine, suggesting potential applications in dry eye treatment.

6. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) 

HOCL has emerged as a promising natural remedy for managing conditions like blepharitis and dry eye. This naturally occurring compound is known for its antimicrobial properties, making it an effective tool in maintaining ocular surface health.

• Dry Eye Relief: A 2019 study demonstrated a 10-point decrease in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score and a 20.5-point decrease in Eyelid Inflammation (EIQ) score over 30 days.

• Blepharitis Management: A 2020 study found that HOCl eye cleansing wipes significantly alleviated ocular symptoms and improved tear film stability in patients with blepharitis. HOCl hygiene solutions were more effective than hyaluronic acid wipes in improving tear film break-up time and reducing bacterial load.

 OCuSOFT’s hypochlorous acid spray is specifically formulated to be gentle enough for our delicate eyelids. Safe for everyday use, try it today!

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💡HEALTHY HACKS: CLEAN AIR, CLEAR EYES

Many people don't realize that the same invisible particles irritating your lungs are also assaulting your delicate eye tissues throughout the day. Air purifiers—particularly those equipped with HEPA and carbon filtration—offer a powerful defense against this overlooked cause of eye discomfort.

These devices work silently in the background, capturing the microscopic irritants that trigger redness, itching, and excessive tearing. Clinical studies have demonstrated that reducing airborne pollutants significantly decreases ocular surface inflammation, a key factor in chronic dry eye disease and other vision-related conditions.

The science is compelling: HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns—including common eye irritants like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and fine dust. For individuals with allergic conjunctivitis or environmental sensitivity, introducing a properly sized air purifier into your home represents an evidence-based intervention that addresses eye irritation at its source rather than merely treating symptoms.

Benefits of Air Purifiers for Eye Health

1. Reduction of Allergens and Pollutants:

   • Air purifiers, especially those with HEPA filters, can remove up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants, including allergens like pollen and dust mites, which are common triggers for eye allergies.

   • By minimizing exposure to these irritants, air purifiers help alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling associated with allergic reactions. One study found that having an air filter reduced biomarkers associated with inflammation in as little as 48 hours.

2. Prevention of Dry Eye Syndrome:

   • While increased airflow from air purifiers might exacerbate dry eyes, the overall reduction in air pollution can help mitigate the irritation caused by airborne pollutants.

3. Protection Against Serious Eye Conditions:

   • Long-term exposure to poor air quality has been linked to severe eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and even glaucoma.

4. Enhanced Sleep Quality:

   • Air purifiers promote better sleep quality, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyes.

Say goodbye to allergens, smoke, mold, and pollutants! AirDoctor's ultra-powerful air purifiers remove 99.97% of airborne contaminants with medical-grade filtration. Perfect for homes, offices, and anyone who values pure, healthy air. Upgrade your air quality with AirDoctor!

💊 SUPPLEMENT SAVVY: COULD NAC BE YOUR DRY EYE SOLUTION?

Research increasingly supports N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a valuable addition to dry eye treatment protocols. This powerful supplement functions through three distinct mechanisms that directly address common dry eye pathologies: it acts as a mucolytic to break down excessive mucus, provides substantial antioxidant protection, and reduces inflammation throughout the body—including the delicate ocular surface.

What makes NAC particularly effective is its role as a precursor to glutathione, often called the body's "master antioxidant." By boosting cysteine levels, NAC enhances your natural glutathione production, strengthening cellular defenses against the oxidative stress implicated in dry eye progression.

Potential Benefits of Oral NAC for Dry Eye

1. Improvement in Chronic Posterior Blepharitis

• A randomized controlled trial involving 79 eyes of 40 patients with chronic posterior blepharitis demonstrated that oral NAC (100 mg three times daily) significantly improved fluorescein break-up time (FBUT) and tear composition, indicating better tear film stability and reduced ocular surface inflammation. The study proposed that NAC’s antioxidant properties, particularly its ability to inhibit oxidation in the oily tear layer, are responsible for these benefits.

2. Improvement in Sjögren's Syndrome Symptoms:

• A 2005 pilot study (published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology) tested oral NAC (200 mg three times daily) in 26 Sjögren’s patients with dry eye and mouth symptoms. It found modest improvements in ocular burning and salivary flow for some patients.

Soothe dry, irritated eyes from the inside out with Pure Encapsulations NAC. This powerful antioxidant supports glutathione production to combat oxidative stress and inflammation—two key drivers of dry eye disease.  

🎯 BETTER HABITS: HOW MAKEUP INGREDIENTS CAN WORSEN DRY EYE DISCOMFORT

Ever wondered why your eyes still feel like the Sahara after following your eye care provider’s recommendations down to the letter? The answer might be sitting right in your makeup bag!

While we all know about environmental factors triggering dry eyes, your favorite mascara or eyeshadow could secretly be making things worse. Let's talk about what's really happening when you glam up those peepers.

Makeup Ingredients That Might Be Sabotaging Your Eye Health

Carnauba Wax in your mascara isn't just making your lashes pop—it could be clogging important oil glands around your eyes, leaving you feeling sandpaper-dry by lunchtime.

Those shimmery eyeshadows with bismuth oxychloride and mica? They might look fabulous for your Zoom meetings, but they're notorious for causing irritation in sensitive eyes.

And that sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) hiding in many cosmetics? It's literally stripping away the natural moisture your eyes desperately need!

Your Dry-Eye-Friendly Beauty Routine

Ready for makeup that doesn't fight against your eye health? Try these simple switches:

Skip the waterproof formulas (they require harsh removers that further dry your eyes) and reach for cream-based products instead of powders. Your eyes will thank you!

Those "hypoallergenic" labels actually mean something—they're your best friends when shopping for new eye makeup.

Quick Beauty Hacks for Healthier Eyes

Keep your eyeliner on the outer lash line instead of "tightlining" (applying liner to your waterline). This small change can dramatically reduce irritation.

And please, no matter how tired you are, take those extra two minutes to thoroughly remove your makeup before bed!

With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy your makeup routine while keeping dry eye symptoms at bay!

Created with sensitive eyes in mind, Eyes Are The Story offers a revolutionary line of eye-friendly makeup and skincare products free from known ocular toxins, making them a safe, science-backed choice for anyone with dry eyes, contact lens wearers, or those managing ocular surface conditions. I have no affiliation with this company, but I’ve heard wonderful things from women in the online dry eye communities.

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See you next week! 👋