13 Best Supplements For Dry Eyes Based On Science
Looking for relief from dry eyes? You’re in luck! In this article, we’ll guide you through the 13 best supplements for dry eyes that can help them soothe and moisture.
Dry eye is a common condition that can be caused by various factors, but with the right supplements, you can find relief and improve your eye health.
So, let’s dive in and discover the top supplements that are recommended for dry eyes.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can be caused by various factors such as aging, certain medications, environmental conditions, or underlying health conditions like autoimmune diseases.
When left untreated, dry eye can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and even damage to the surface of the eyes.
To effectively treat dry eye, it’s important to address the underlying cause. This may involve using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to provide temporary relief.
In some cases, lifestyle changes such as avoiding dry environments or using a humidifier can also help. If the dryness persists, it’s best to consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Best Supplements for Dry Eyes
If you’re struggling with dry eyes, incorporating certain supplements into your daily routine can provide relief. Here are the best supplements for dry eyes as well as recommended products from our partners.
1. Vitamin B12
If you’re looking for the best supplement to help with dry eyes, consider trying Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12, a water-soluble essential nutrient, plays a pivotal role in DNA synthesis and nerve cell function. Recent studies have linked its deficiency to severe dry eye disease and eye pain.
In a 2020 study, a combination of oral vitamin B12 supplements and artificial tears yielded promising results by ameliorating dry eye syndrome symptoms.
Researchers theorize that vitamin B12 may aid in repairing the corneal nerve layer, alleviating the burning sensations associated with dry eyes. While there’s no standardized B12 dosage for dry eye, generally safe doses hover around 2,000 micrograms.
Recommended Vitamin B12 Supplement
Consider trying Nature Made Vitamin B12 1000 mcg Softgels for dry eyes.
These softgels are sourced from high quality ingredients and are gluten free with no synthetic dyes or artificial flavors. They support energy metabolism and are important for vegetarians and vegans who may not consume enough B12 from their diet alone.
Take one softgel daily with water and a meal to maintain overall health and combat dry eyes effectively.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vitamin that your body can make when it gets sunlight or from supplements and certain foods. Not having enough of it can lead to dry eyes. But in 2020, an article said that taking vitamin D supplements can help because they reduce inflammation on the surface of your eyes.
A study from 2019 found that vitamin D pills make eye drops work better for dry eyes. And in 2018, another study showed that taking vitamin D pills makes your tears better and eases dry eye problems.
There’s no set amount of vitamin D for dry eyes, but don’t take more than 4,000 IU to avoid problems because, like vitamin A, it can build up in your body.
Recommended Vitamin D Supplement
Take one of these premium Vitamin D3 Plus K2 supplements daily to support your eye health and alleviate dry eyes. This double strength supplement contains 10,000 iu/50,000 iu Vitamin D3 and 200 mcg vitamin K2 per dose.
The addition of MCT coconut oil ensures maximum absorption and utilization of these fat-soluble vitamins.
Made without soy, dairy, gluten, preservatives, flavors, and tree nuts, these supplements undergo rigorous lab testing to guarantee safety, purity, and potency.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
You should consider incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your supplement routine if you’re experiencing dry eyes.
Omega-3 is a special type of fat that helps our cells stay strong and fights inflammation in our bodies. In 2016, they found that taking omega-3 pills helped people with red skin (rosacea) and dry eyes.
Another study in 2015 said omega-3 pills also helped people with tired eyes from looking at screens a lot. It worked by stopping tears from evaporating too fast.
In 2019, a big review said omega-3 might help because it calms down inflammation, making your eyes less irritated and painful.
Doctors usually suggest 1,000 milligrams of omega-3 a day, but there’s no set rule. Look for a high-quality omega-3 supplement that contains EPA and DHA, which are the essential fatty acids that provide the most benefits for dry eyes.
Recommended Omega-3 Supplement
For optimal relief of dry eyes, consider this Ultra Omega 3-6-9 supplement from MicroIngredients. It contains fish oil, flaxseed oil, and borage oil, which all support eye health. This enteric coated supplement is made with high-quality ingredients that have been purified to remove heavy metals and contaminants. It’s non-GMO and made without soy, dairy, gluten, preservatives, colors, and tree nuts.
To experience the benefits of this omega-3 supplement for dry eyes, take at least one serving per day.
4. Vitamin A
If you’re looking for a supplement to help with your dry eyes, Vitamin A is a recommended option. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your eyes and can help alleviate symptoms of dryness.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin your eyes need to make tears and keep them moist. When you don’t have enough, it can lead to dry eyes.
In a 2019 study, people with dry eyes took 5,000 units of vitamin A each day for 3 days. After that, their tears got better. Vitamin A seems to make the thin layer of fluid on your eyes smoother and helps create tears. The study suggests that taking 5,000 units of vitamin A daily might help with dry eyes, but more research is needed to know for sure and to find the right amount for long-term use.
Adding a Vitamin A supplement to your daily routine may provide relief and improve your overall eye health.
Recommended Vitamin A Supplement
Take Solgar’s Dry Vitamin A supplement to support healthy eyes, skin, and immune system, and moisturize your dry eyes. This convenient tablet form is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
The high-quality formula not only promotes a healthy immune system but also improves vision and skin health.
With its oil-free formula and absence of artificial additives, Solgar’s Dry Vitamin A is a reliable choice for those seeking effective supplementation.
5. Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient that helps your eyes stay healthy. It has a couple of jobs – first, it helps vitamin A get to your eye’s retina from your liver. [1]
Second, it takes care of your cell membranes and proteins. If you don’t have enough zinc, your retina can’t make enough melanin, which protects your eyes from infections. This can lead to dry eyes.
Since your body doesn’t make zinc, you have to get it from your food or through supplementation.
Consider incorporating a zinc supplement into your daily routine to potentially improve your dry eye symptoms.
Recommended Zinc Supplement
MicroZinc by Nootropics Depot is a highly absorbable form of zinc that promotes vision health and supports the immune system. Unlike other zinc supplements, MicroZinc does not cause stomach upset and can be taken on an empty stomach without nausea.
It has been praised for its high bioavailability and positive effects on relaxation and sleep quality when taken with magnesium.
6. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is known for its antioxidant properties and has been shown to potentially improve tear production and reduce inflammation in the eyes.
NAC might be new to you, but it’s an FDA-approved supplement used in medicine for a long time. It comes from an amino acid called L-cysteine, which is like a building block for proteins in our bodies. Having the right amount of NAC is super important for your eyes.
It helps a gland called the meibomian gland, which keeps your tears from evaporating too quickly by maintaining the oil in them. [2]
NAC also has antioxidants and reduces inflammation, so it’s good for treating eye problems, including dry eyes. Lacrimera eyedrops with NAC are safe and work well for dry eyes. [3]
Recommended NAC Supplement
NAC, or N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, is available in high-quality powder form from Nootropics Depot.
Lab-tested for purity and identity, this vegan supplement can be taken in capsule form. Customers have praised the quality of NAC, with some experiencing improved sleep and mood, stress reduction, and increased glutathione levels.
7. Lutein and zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are special plant pigments that make things like carrots and corn look yellow or red. But they do more than add color; they’re like health superheroes.
These antioxidants are super good for your eyes, especially the back part called the macula. They shield your eye cells from harm caused by light and air. [4]
Plus, they might stop age-related eye problems and calm down the swelling in dry eyes. [5]
You can find lots of lutein and zeaxanthin in veggies like kale, spinach, collard greens, and broccoli. If you can’t eat enough of these, adding a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement to your daily routine is a wise choice.
Recommended Lutein and zeaxanthin Supplement
When choosing a recommended lutein and zeaxanthin supplement for dry eyes, it’s important to consider the product’s quality and customer feedback.
One highly regarded option is Sport’s Research’s Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplement made with 20mg of Lute-Gen Lutein and 4mg of Zeaxanthin extracted from Marigold Flowers.
This non-GMO verified and vegan certified supplement offers 100% plant-based lutein and zeaxanthin. Customers have provided positive feedback, praising its effectiveness in improving vision, eye health, and even macular degeneration.
8. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body that helps keep your eyes lubricated and moisturized. Our bodies produce a lot when we’re young but less as we get older. It’s like a gel in our eyes, keeping them in shape.
This gel also fights inflammation, which can make your eyes dry. When you have less hyaluronic acid, your tears get thin and don’t cover your eyes well, making them irritated.
But when you take supplements with hyaluronic acid, your tears get thicker and coat your eyes better, making them feel better and less dry. So, it’s like a helpful gel for your eyes that you can take when you need it. [6]
Taking a hyaluronic acid supplement can help improve the symptoms of dry eyes and promote overall eye health.
Recommended Hyaluronic Acid Supplement
This hyaluronic acid powder from Micro Ingredients is a pure serum that effectively hydrates and locks in moisture, increasing skin elasticity for a youthful appearance.
With no additives or artificial ingredients, it’s suitable for daily use and can even be added to shakes or smoothies for easy consumption.
9. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a natural antioxidant made by our bodies, stored in organs like the heart and lungs. It fights off harmful molecules called free radicals. CoQ10 is also good for your eyes and helps people recover faster from eye surgery while reducing dry eye problems. [7]
As we age, we produce less CoQ10, and it’s not in many foods, except for a bit in fatty fish, organ meats, nuts, and soybeans.
So, sometimes, we need CoQ10 supplements to make sure we have enough of this helpful stuff in our bodies to keep our eyes and other parts healthy.
Recommended Coenzyme Q10 Supplement
This COQ10 Powder from (again) Micro Ingredients is a top choice for those experiencing dry eyes. With 200mg of COQ10 per serving, it strongly promotes cardiovascular and circulatory health as well.
Additionally, it helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, enhances muscle strength, and supports nerve health.
This water-soluble, vegan-friendly supplement is tested for purity and safety, ensuring high-quality standards and effectiveness.
10. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is another supplement for dry eyes worth considering. It’s leaves are used to make supplements. These supplements are known for regulating blood flow and pressure, which can be good for your eyes.
They keep blood flow steady and reduce eye pressure, helping prevent eye problems like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. [8]
Ginkgo is rich in antioxidants, which are great for your health. It’s been used in Chinese medicine for ages and is now known worldwide. Combining it with hyaluronic acid can also ease dry eyes after cataract surgery, as shown in a study.
Recommended Ginkgo Biloba Supplement
Nootropics Depot’s Ginkgo Biloba powder offers a convenient way to harness the potential benefits of this ancient herb. With a recommended daily dosage of 120mg, it may support cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation balance.
This product contains two key constituents, Bilobalide and Kaempferol, known for their neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. Positive reviews highlight its impact on both mental and physical performance.
For those seeking a quality Ginkgo Biloba supplement, Nootropics Depot offers an extract with a minimum of 10% Kaempferol Glycoside and 2% Bilobalide for optimal effectiveness.
11. Vitamin C
If you’re looking for a supplement to help with dry eyes, Vitamin C is a recommended option. It has antioxidant properties that can help protect your eyes from oxidative damage.
Recent research suggests that oxidative stress may play a role in causing dry eye diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome. Free radicals and oxidative stress can damage eye tissues.
Vitamin C, with its strong antioxidant properties, may help reduce oxidative stress and the risk of eye diseases. Nutrient deficiencies, like essential fatty acids and antioxidants, are linked to dry eye problems. Vitamin C, along with other antioxidants, can protect cells and improve tear film stability.
Chronic low vitamin C levels are associated with a higher risk of various chronic diseases, including eye conditions. [9]
Recommended Vitamin C Supplement
SOLARAY Vitamin C supplement in one of the best Vitamin C supplements in the market – right now. With its two-stage time release technology, provides sustained support for healthy immune function, antioxidant activity, collagen synthesis, and dry eyes.
Manufactured and tested in their own lab in Utah, SOLARAY offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
12. Vitamin E
Although Vitamin E may not have direct evidence of relieving dry eye symptoms, its significance in safeguarding eye cells and its immune-boosting capabilities make it a valuable nutrient to explore.
While it may not be a specific solution for dry eyes, it plays a role in overall eye health and this is the main reason of recommending it. [10]
Consider adding a Vitamin E supplement to your daily routine to support the health of your eyes.
Recommended Vitamin E Supplement
You should consider trying the Nature Made Vitamin E supplement for dry eyes. This 300-count bottle provides a 300-day supply of 180 mg (400 IU) of Vitamin E.
Not only does it support a healthy immune system, but it also helps improve hair, nails, and vision. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin E can neutralize free radicals in the body, promoting overall health.
Take one softgel daily with water and a meal for optimal results.
13. Quercetin
Finally, Quercetin, a polyphenolic compound found in onions and apples, has gained attention for its antioxidant properties and potential role in alleviating dry eye disease.
Research involving diabetic mice fed with a diet containing 0.5% quercetin demonstrated a significant improvement in tear volume without affecting body weight or food intake. This improvement was accompanied by positive changes in lacrimal gland morphology and blood chemistry.
Moreover, in studies involving human volunteers, quercetin-rich onion consumption led to enhanced tear film stability. These findings suggest that Quercetin may play a role in improving tear function, making it a promising avenue for further research in addressing dry eye concerns associated with aging and lifestyle factors.
Recommended Quercetin Supplement
Looking for a quercetin supplement that can help with dry eyes? Try Micro Ingredients Advance Quercetin with zinc and vitamin D3 for maximum benefits.
This premium non-GMO supplement contains 1,000mg of quercetin from sophora japonica buds, along with 50mg zinc picolinate and 5,000iu vitamin D3 per serving.
It supports antioxidant properties, promotes lung and heart health, boosts immune health, and specifically supports eye health.
Made without soy, dairy, gluten, preservatives, flavors, and tree nuts, it has passed 3rd party lab tests for safety, purity, and potency.
Other remedies for dry eyes
Here are some other remedies that can help alleviate your dry eye symptoms:
These remedies, along with proper nutrition and medical treatments, can help manage dry eye disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating the right supplements into your daily routine can help alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and flaxseed oil are among the best options to consider.
Additionally, practicing good eye hygiene and using artificial tear drops can further enhance the effectiveness of these supplements in managing dry eye symptoms.
Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
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