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How To
Relieve Dry Eye Syndrome Naturally
By Dr. Rita Louise
Every time we blink, our
eyelids spread tears over our eyes to lubricate, moisturize and
wash dust and debris from them. Tears are secreted by
specialized glands located around the eye and are essential for
their maintenance and health. Tears are made up of a
combination of water (for moisture), oil (for lubrication),
mucus (for even spreading), and antibodies (to resist
infections). If there is an imbalance in our tear
production system, we can suffer from dry eyes.
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People who have dry
eyes often experience burning, itching or irritation that
tends to worsens as the day goes by. Some individuals
describe the sensation as if there is something in their
eye. Other indicators of dry eye include redness,
scratchiness, blurred vision that improves with blinking,
and excessive tearing.
It is estimated that
approximately ten million Americans suffer from dry
eyes. In fact, it is the number one reason people
see their eye doctors. There are many reasons why
someone can have dry eyes. Bottom line, it occurs
when we don’t have enough tears, the composition of our
tears is incorrect, or our tears are not lubricating our
eyes correctly.
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Of the many causes, the most
common one is aging. As we age, we can experience an oil
deficiency in the body. Oil is a necessary component of
tears and without it the water in our eyes can evaporate too
fast. Hot, dry or windy climates, rooms that are
air-conditioned and even cigarette smoke can dry out the eyes as
well. Individuals who wear contact lenses are also at a
greater risk, as are people taking antihistamines,
antidepressants, birth control pills and certain types of blood
pressure medications. If you notice discomfort after
periods of reading, watching TV, or working on the computer, you
may be suffering from dry eyes too.
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At times, people who suffer
from dry eyes have structural problems of the eye, an eyelid
disease or a deficiency of tear producing glands. Dry eyes may
also be a symptom of a systemic disorder such as lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorder, vitamin deficiency,
Parkinson’s disease or Sjogrens disease. Recently, evidence has
come to light that hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy,
lactation, menstruation and menopause may also increase symptoms
of dry eyes.
Fortunately, there are a number
of natural and alternative health remedies that can be used to
help reduce and eliminate dry eyes.
Recommendations For Wellness
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Avoid rubbing your eyes
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Remember to blink.
Blinking helps spread your tears more evenly. This is
especially important when reading, watching TV and working
on the computer.
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Keep your indoor humidity
between 30 and 50 percent. If you find that the air in your
house is dry, try using a humidifier to add moisture to the
air.
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Consider buying an air
filter to pull dust and other particles out of the air which
may be irritating your eyes.
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Don’t direct hair dryers,
car heaters or fans towards your eyes.
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When outdoors, wear
sunglasses, especially the wrap around kind, to reduce your
exposure to the sun, wind and dust.
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If you wear contact lenses,
try wearing your lenses fewer hours each day. You can also
talk to your eye care practitioner about switching to a
different type of lens.
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Check your medications for
any possible side effects that may cause dry eyes, or talk
to your doctor to see if they may be contributing to your
symptoms.
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Purchase “artificial tears”
at your local drugstore. Avoid the kind that “get the red
out” since they won’t do anything to relieve the itching,
burning or other symptoms associated with dry eyes.
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For women, only wear
waterproof eye makeup. This can help to avoid irritation.
Also, when applying mascara, only apply it to the tips of
the upper eyelashes and refrain from using any makeup on the
lower lids or lashes.
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Supplement with essential
fatty acids such as omega 3 oil, flax seed oil or evening
primrose oil. Studies show that essential fatty acids can
decrease dry eye by keeping the mucous membranes of the eyes
lubricated.
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Eating foods rich in
vitamin A or supplementing with vitamin A can help to keep
the eyes moist.
Eyebright or Nature’s
Sunshine’s EW can be used topically as an eyewash. It has good
astringent and antihistamine properties.
© Copyright Body, Mind &
SoulHealer 2006. All rights reserved. Reprinted with Permission.
Dr. Rita
Louise, PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and it is her unique
gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens her work.
Author of the books “Avoiding
the Cosmic 2x4” and “The Power Within”,
let Dr. Rita assist you bringing health,
healing and wholeness back into your life.
She can
help you identify what is really going on and provide you with
straightforward holistic guidance and advice.
Visit
http://www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more
information.
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Pre-Order
-- Releasing March 19, 2007
The Dry Eye Remedy: The Complete Guide to Restoring the Health and Beauty of Your Eyes
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