Get the dry out! Five fast and easy ways to overcome annoying dry eye

You might not give much thought to the quality of your tears — unless you develop a condition known as dry eye syndrome.

A quality tear contains a balance of water, oil, and mucus, and when these elements are off-balance, it can cause dry eye symptoms, such as:

  • Blurred vision
  • Burning
  • Excessively watery eyes (an overcompensation to the dry eye irritation)
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Stinging or scratchy sensation in your eye

About one in every three Americans has dry eye, and nearly everyone copes with one or more of these symptoms at some point — especially if you’re past the age of 50, when tear production begins to diminish.

But if you’re pestered with frequent dry eye, you don’t have to just muddle through. In his Essential Age-Eraser Protocol, certified health coach and best-selling author Bill Gottlieb offers five simple ways to relieve dry eye — and some of them can bring you relief in mere seconds.

Your “crystal clear” windows

As Bill explains it, dry eye is a disorder of the tear film, which he describes as “the essential coating that protects the surface of the eyes, washes away debris and irritants, and creates a crystal-clear window through which we see.”

But age isn’t the only thing that disrupts the tear film. In fact, Bill lists more than a half-dozen other contributing factors that affect tear quality:

  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune disease (such as Sjogren’s Syndrome — a glandular condition that prompts dry eye and dry mouth)
  • Contact lenses
  • Laser eye surgery or cosmetic eye surgery
  • Perimenopause and post-menopause
  • Rosacea
  • Using a medication with dry eye as a side effect (more on that in a moment…)

Obviously, these tear film risks potentially affect millions of people. And I’ll bet that most of those people are unaware of complications that arise due to chronic dry eye.

For instance, inadequate tear film leaves your eyes vulnerable to infections. And dry eye can trigger inflammation and abrasion of the surface of the cornea, which can permanently damage your vision.

Fortunately, as Bill points out, a new study shows how you can easily protect your eyes from these risks.

The fatty-acid connection to healthy eyes

This new research reveals two simple ways to resolve a bout of dry eye, or at least dramatically reduce the annoying symptoms:

  1. Eye compresses
  2. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements

For some insight in evaluating this study, Bill talked to his “go to” expert on dry eye — Robert Latkany, MD, an ophthalmologist and founder and director of the Dry Eye Clinic at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and author of The Dry Eye Remedy.

Dr. Latkany recommends omega-3s to his patients, preferably from food sources. Specifically, at least two servings a week of fatty fish, like salmon, albacore tuna, or sardines.

Of course, a quality omega-3 supplement is also an ideal source. Bill cites a study of laser eye surgery patients where daily supplements containing 1.2 grams of mixed EPA/DHA fatty acids successfully relieved dry eye.

He also notes a study published in the journal Cornea where a much higher dose (6,720 mg of EPA and 2,240 mg of DHA) significantly relieved dry eye symptoms. But Bill cautions that you shouldn’t take a dose that high without medical supervision, and Dr. Latkany agrees, recommending you talk to your doctor about an omega-3 dosage to fit your needs.

Take a “screen break”

Bill adds that Dr. Latkany also subscribes to the use of eye compresses — specifically a moist, cold compress.

As Dr. Latkany told Bill, “Some people recommend a warm compress because it opens up and unclogs the Meibomian glands, the tiny glands at the rim of the eyelid that supply meibum, an oily substance that helps prevent the evaporation of tear film.”

But Dr. Latkany has found that a cold compress is more effective because it reduces redness and puffiness, which eases pressure on the Meibomian glands, allowing them to function better.

He suggests moistening a washcloth with cold water and placing it over your eyes for one to two minutes daily.

In his Essential Age-Eraser Protocol, Bill shares three more recommendations from Dr. Latkany:

  • Get a good night’s sleep. He points out that during sleep, your eyes are bathed continuously in tear film.
  • Take computer breaks. Bill explains, “Blinking moistens your eyes, but staring at your computer limits blinking. Take a break at least every 30 minutes, for a minute or two.”
  • Check drug side effects. Finally Dr. Latkany suggests you talk to your doctor about any drugs you’re taking that could prompt dry eye as a side effect. Some of the worst offenders include:
    • Antidepressants
    • Antihistamines and decongestants
    • Antipsychotics and sleeping pills
    • Beta-blockers
    • Diuretics
    • Hormone treatments

And ironically, he also cautions against using over-the-counter eye drops that claim to “get the red out” or relieve irritation. These aren’t actually made to treat the range of symptoms of dry eye.

You can read Bill Gottlieb’s full report on dry eye triggers, as well as a wealth of other safe, alternative treatments to protect your precious vision in his Essential Age-Eraser Protocol.

Click here to learn much more about this comprehensive protocol designed to help make your golden years the pleasure that they should be, or to get started right away.