Dry eye is among the most frequent complaints in a general ophthalmic practice, with approximately one in every four patients reporting symptoms of dry eye. The aging process causes a decrease in the production of oil which is a common cause of dry eye. Tear production also diminishes with various medical conditions, or as a side effect of certain medications. In addition, environmental conditions such as exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation, resulting in dry eye symptoms.
Patient One Dry Eye Care combines synergistic vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to combat the discomfort associated with dry eye syndrome. Dry Eye Care provides ideal natural support for those patients who suffer from dry, burning, itchy, irritated eyes or have had previous eye surgery, wear contact lenses or for patients who spend prolonged time in front of a computer screen or television.
Vitamins A, C & E:
Vitamin A helps protect the cornea, the surface of the eye, and is essential for good vision. It is found naturally in the tear film of healthy eyes and is key to the production of the mucous layer of the tears. Vitamin A deficiency has been shown to cause and exacerbate dry eye challenges.
The antioxidant Vitamin C is found in higher concentrations in the tear film than the amount found in the blood. Vitamin C helps to reduce the inflammation associated with dry eyes and improves comfort. It also helps to chelate and remove heavy metals and toxins in the body that can contribute to dry eyes.
Vitamin E, another important antioxidant that is essential for eye health, helps promote healthy tear film function. Vitamin E is thought to protect cells of the eyes from damage caused by free radicals, which break down healthy tissue.
Zinc is a factor in the metabolic function of several enzymes in the vascular coating of the eye. It plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc is highly concentrated in the eye, mostly in the retina and choroid, the vascular tissue layer lying under the retina.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids may help stimulate tear production. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids appear to work by reducing inflammation and by changing the lipid composition in the meibomian oil-producing glands in the lower eyelid. Essential fatty acids also play a supportive role in draining eye fluids, helping to regulate intraocular pressure.
Flax Seed Oil and Black Currant Oil:
Flax seeds and black currant seeds are rich in essential fatty acids (EFA’s) that work throughout the body to protect cell membranes and modulate inflammation, a common cause of dry eye. Research has showed that flaxseed oil may be as effective as a commonly used dry eye medication, doxycycline.(7) A study published in the Journal of Inflammation suggests that black currants can inhibit leukocyte (white cell) infiltration during inflammatory processes. The combination of flax seed oil and black currant oil in our formula provides a total of over 247mg of the essential fatty acid Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA).
Borage oil has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from dry eyes. Research has shown that borage oil’s beneficial effects can be traced to its rich stores of the therapeutic fat gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Patient One Dry Eye Care supplies 69.5mg of GLA per serving. Studies suggest that oral GLA supplementation improved dry eye both clinically and subjectively in patients with dry eye syndrome.