Getting to the Root of Dry Eye Symptom Management With Nutrition

The Standard American Diet appears to be a major driver of meibomian gland dysfunction and DED

By: JULIE A. POTEET, OD, MS, CNS, FOWNS

Optometric Management January 21, 2025

5 Key Takeaways

1

Dry eye disease (DED) affects approximately 38 million adults in the U.S., significantly impacting their quality of life.
2

The Standard American Diet is linked to meibomian gland dysfunction and exacerbates dry eye symptoms.
3

Nutritional supplementation, including vitamins A, C, D, and B12, can improve ocular surface health and alleviate DED symptoms.
4

Omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) play crucial roles in reducing inflammation and enhancing tear film quality.
5

Evidence-based nutritional strategies should complement topical therapies for effective management of dry eye disease.

Julie A. Poteet

Specialties: Optometry

Bio: Julie A. Poteet, OD, MS, CNS, FOWNS, writes on optometric management of dry eye disease with an emphasis on nutrition and ocular surface inflammation. Her work discusses the role of diet and nutrients—including vitamins A, C, and D, lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids—in supporting tear film function and managing symptoms of dry eye disease.

Neda Gioia

Specialties: Optometry

Bio: Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, IFMCP, FOWNS, writes on optometric approaches to ocular nutritional supplements. Her work in Optometric Management focuses on how optometrists can guide patients in the evidence-based use of nutritional products to support ocular health, particularly in the context of age-related macular degeneration and dry eye disease. Her article on supplying ocular nutritional supplements emphasizes patient education, supplement quality standards, absorption considerations, staff training, and practical purchase models for optometric practices.

PentaVision

Optometric Management

Getting to the Root of Dry Eye Symptom Management With Nutrition

5 Key Takeaways

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