Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Consequences of dry eyes range from subtle, but constant, eye irritation to significant inflammation and even scarring of the front surface of the eye.

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic and typically progressive condition. Depending on its cause and severity, it may not be completely curable. However, in most cases, dry eyes can be managed successfully, usually resulting in noticeably greater eye comfort, fewer dry eye symptoms, and sometimes even sharper vision.

Dry eyes are very common, and dry eye syndrome is frequently the reason for a visit to the eye doctor. A recent online poll revealed that nearly half (48 percent) of Americans age 18 and older regularly experience dry eye symptoms. The results from a 2012 Gallup poll show that more than 26 million Americans suffer from dry eyes, and this number is expected to increase to more than 29 million within 10 years. As well; other sources estimate that nearly five million Americans age 50 and older have clinically significant dry eye syndrome, and dry eyes affect nearly twice as many women as men.

Since dry eye disease can have a number of causes, a variety of treatment approaches are used. Successful treatment of dry eyes requires that you are willing to follow your eye doctor’s recommendations. It is critical that you use the products he or she recommends consistently and as frequently as directed.

Here at Optometry at The Shops, we offer the latest in care to help combat dry eye issues. In addition to prescription and over the counter eye drops, our Optometrists may also recommend home remedies. Additionally, our patients have also found success combating dry eye syndrome by supplementing their diet with vitamins. Our Optometrists specifically recommend Nordic Natural vitamins as their vitamins of choice. They are available at Optometry at The Shops.

So, what are Omega-3 vitamins?

Your body is made up of trillions of cells. Each cell contains important omega-3 fatty acids that help it function normally and stay healthy. Unfortunately, the body can’t produce omega-3s on its own, which is why we rely on two main sources to get adequate omega-3s: plants or green vegetables and cold-water fish or algae.

You may find it difficult to believe that fat is essential to your health, but it’s true. Without fat, our bodies can’t function properly and without the proper kinds of fats in our diet, our eye health also may suffer. Fatty acids are the “building blocks” of fat. These important nutrients are critical for the normal production and functioning of cells, muscles, nerves and organs. Fatty acids are also required for the production of hormone-like compounds that help regulate blood pressure, heart rate and blood clotting.

Some fatty acids — called essential fatty acids (EFAs) — are necessary to our diet, because our body can’t produce them. In order to stay healthy we must obtain these fatty acids from our food. Two types of EFAs are omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, may benefit eye health.