Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a complex and often frustrating condition. If left unresolved it can lead to far more serious eye conditions.

Fortunately, there are several ways to alleviate dry eye syndrome and reduce the risk of vision loss. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, avoidable risks, and treatments for dry eye syndrome.

Why are my eyes watering all the time?

Contrary to what you might think, excessive eye watering is one of the primary  symptom of Dry Eye Syndrome. This is due to a defensive mechanism in the eyes that can lead to an overproduction of the watery part of your tears. However, these watery tears evaporate too fast to alleviate the underlying dry eye problem. The eyes are literally crying out for relief…

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a common condition affecting nearly 30% of adults. Dry eye is not an illness, but rather the result of various stress factors that cause tear film instability. Sadly, if left untreated, Dry Eye Syndrome can become a chronic condition leading to far more serious degenerative eye conditions…

Why is Dry Eye a serious concern?

At first, dry eye syndrome might just seem like a minor annoyance, but it can gradually worsen over time until it severely affects your quality of vision. Abnormal tear film, poor tear quality, or not enough tears can lead to ocular surface inflammation and cause critical damage to the eye surface. Common dry eye symptoms such as blurry vision, light sensitivity, burning, itching, eye fatigue, foreign body sensation, redness of the eyelids and excessive tearing, should not be ignored as they have been shown to increase the risk of developing far more serious vision problems, such as cataract, corneal abrasion, glaucoma, and even exacerbate macular degeneration.

How Do Tears Work?

Tears fulfill an indispensable function in maintaining the health of the eye. The eyes’ natural tear film contains a mixture of saltwater, oils and mucus. When we blink, muscles in our eyelids squeeze the tear glands to deliver more tears. In addition, the process of blinking, distributes the tear layer evenly across the surface of the eyes. This essential coating delivers oxygen and nutrients to they eyes, protects the eyes’ surface from abrasion and infection, cleanses the eyes of irritants and keeps them well lubricated to prevent corneal damage.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Medical Conditions such as allergies or immune system disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can affect tear production
• Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and blood pressure medications
• Laser vision surgery which may temporarily affect the eyes ability to product tears
• Environmental factors like smoke or smog contain small particles that aggravate the eyes
• Dry climates like those in cold areas, deserts and airplanes as well as breezy or windy environments such as those caused by an air conditioner or a ceiling fan
• The normal aging process as tear production declines with age
• Hormonal changes in our body, like those accompanying menopause
• Staring at a computer or mobile screen tends to decrease your blink rate
• Nutritional factors such as Vitamin A or Omega-3 deficiency
• Dehydration can affect the amount of fluid available to produce tears
• Long-term use of contact lenses that may obstruct oxygen to the cornea.

What Are the Best Treatment Options for Dry Eye?

1. Bacteria reduction: Those who suffer with dry eye unknowingly carry a higher than desirable bacteria load in their eyes.  Elevated bacteria weakens the natural repair mechanisms within the eye elevating oxidative stress and inflammation. Using an eyewash once daily to keep bacteria load in check is one of the most beneficial steps toward restoring homeostasis to the eyes and it feels lovely. You can purchase an eyewash kit at any local pharmacy. Many people report noticing vision improvements just from this step alone because when you have happy, stress-free eyes they perform better for you.
2. N-Acetyl-Carnosine: This specific ocular antioxidant has been shown in clinical studies to dramatically counter inflammation and reverse oxidation restoring the eye’s natural ability to heal and repair itself. Can-C™ Eye Drops with N-acetyl-carnosine have been shown to support natural tear production, possibly due to restoring health to the tear ducts themselves thereby addressing one of the underlying causes of Dry Eye Syndrome. While Can-C eye drops have been primarily known for reversing cataract related conditions over the last twenty years this gentle healing eye drop has been shown to benefit nearly every ocular condition favorably with its remarkable ability to support, improve and restore overall eye health.
3. Lubrication: Keeping your eyes adequately lubricated with artificial tears is a simple and effective way to further support Dry Eye Syndrome.  Therefore, In addition to the use of Can-C™ eye drops the use of an inexpensive preservative-free or low-preservative lubricant eye drop during the day in between your Can-C™ eye drops can further reduce the stress load to the eyes allowing for an accelerated healing response. Apply your eye lubricant 5 – 10 minutes prior to your application of Can-C™ eye drops in the mornings and then again multiple times throughout the day.  Uptake of the N-Acetyl-carnosine ingredient in Can-C™ will be improved if the eyes are not dry and stressed at the time of application.
4. Amino Acid Support: Lastly, research has shown that oral consumption of specific amino acids can further reduce inflammation and optimize healing response to the eyes.  Nac-C Plus capsules with five powerful amino acids were designed to be taken with Can-C eye drops to accelerate healing, improve overall outcomes, and restore health to the eyes.

After several weeks of such a protocol you should notice quite an improvement in the way your eyes feel as well as notable vision improvements. Once you see and feel improvement you may reduce the number of times you apply your eye lubricant during the day but if you start noticing any decline or feelings of irritation you will want to go back to the multiple lubricant applications daily.  The eyes have a remarkable ability to heal themselves if given the right support and a little patience.

_REFERENCE: 

1. Mark A Babizhayev, Philip Micans. N-Acetylcarnosine sustained drug delivery eye drops to control the signs of ageless vision: glare sensitivity, cataract amelioration and quality of vision currently available treatment for the challenging 50,000-patient population. Clin Interv Aging. 2009;4:31-50. Epub 2009 May 14.Stuart P Richer.