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Oct 2007
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Vision - Ophthalmology
Nutritional Help for Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a painful and debilitating eye disease that afflicts more than eight million people in this country.
Those affected, mostly women, experience a decline in the quality and/or quantity of the tears that normally bathe their eyes to keep them moist. Symptoms include pain, irritation, and/or a gritty sensation in the eyes. While prescription eye drops for chronic dry eye help eyes increase their own tear production, recent research indicates that dry-eye sufferers may help themselves by altering their diets, as well.
Utilizing data from the Women's Health Study, researchers found that women who consume foods rich in omega-3 fats (such as tuna) may reduce the risk of dry eye by 68 percent.
Note - the study mentioned above found that high ratios of omega 6 (founding in many cooking oils and animal meats) to omega 3 may increase the risk of dry eye syndrome.