Dry Eyes¹

Dry eyes are caused by lack of tears or fault with one or more layers of the tear film. Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of your eyes and to wash away particles and foreign bodies.

Considerations

If you have dry eyes, you will feel a burning, scratching, or stinging sensation. You may also have strained or tired eyes after reading, even for short periods of time. If you wear contacts, they will likely feel uncomfortable. Having dry eyes for a while can lead to tiny abrasions on the surface of your eyes, which in turn can develop into more serious conditions that can cause permanent damage and loss of eyesight.

Common Causes

Common causes of dry eyes include:

• Aging
• Dry environment or workplace (wind, air conditioning)
• Sun exposure
• Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure
• Cold or allergy medicines
• An eye injury or other problem with your eyes or eyelids (like a drooping eyelid or bulging eyes)
• Sjogren's syndrome -- includes dry eyes, mouth, and mucus membranes, and often rheumatoid arthritis or other joint disorder
• Wearing contact lenses
• LASIK surgery

1. Source: Medline: NIH Medical Encyclopedia

Prevention & Alternative Treatment

The following steps may help:

• Don't smoke. Avoid second-hand smoke, direct wind, and air conditioning.
• Use a humidifier, especially in the winter.
• Purposefully blink more often. Rest your eyes.

Dr. Geiger has authored a book, Eye Care Naturally. In it he advises which foods to eat, which to avoid and which nutritional supplements, e.g., omega-3 fish oil, to take for a number of eye conditions including dry eyes. He also speaks of some necessary lifestyle changes to be made. His research has uncovered how to prevent, prolong the onset, slow the progression of and in some cases, reverse these conditions. Some of these conditions have no medical cure and lead to blindness. For others, surgery is the only option. Dr. Geiger says otherwise. It is his sincere hope that this information will help prevent blindness and eye discomfort in the world and provide clearer eyesight longer; that is his purpose and mission.

Dr. Geiger is available for nutritional consultation via email at pure4us@aol.com.

Please go to our store to order the book Eye Care Naturally, which describes natural prevention and treatment for each eye condition.