Outcomes of the recent Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Lifestyle Workshop- involving 158 world-wide experts validates the importance of considering lifestyle when it comes to eye health. At Eyes of Howick, we like to consider our patients in their entirety and not just a pair of eyes before us. This is particularly important when it comes to dry eye and ocular surface disease.
I have listed some of the pertinent recommendations;
Nutrition Omega 3, Vitamins A, B12, C and D
Caffeine protective against dry eye through stimulating increased tear production
Endocrine- disrupting chemicals such as BPA and phthalates may leach from food containers and due to hormonal changes can affect the eye surface.
Gut microbiome- pre and probiotics can improve dry eye symptoms
Environment- high temperature, wind and low humidity disrupt the ocular surface and tear-film stability. While UV exposure is linked with ocular surface diseases such as Pterygium and other abnormal eye growths and air Pollution ie. nitrogen dioxide, smoking and vaping can also lead to discomfort.
Digital eye strain consider posture and limit screen use to 4-5 hours per day. Consider reading from e-paper rather than a screen.
Mental Health and Chronic Pain conditions anxiety, stress, depression and migraine, fibromyalgia, IBS and back pain are associated with dry eye symptoms
Obesity meibomian (oil) gland disruption along with sleep apnoea and use of CPAP machines are associated with ocular surface disruption.
Medication prescription and non-prescription can disrupt the tear film and ocular surface. For example Isoretinoin- prescribed for acne may irreversibly damage the meibomian glands.
Cosmetics preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride are toxic and endocrine disrupters such as parabens and phthalates along with retinol use around the eye can exacerbate dry eye. Eye lash treatments; tinting, curling, and extensions can increase risk of ocular surface disease
Contact Lenses Daily replacement lenses are the safest choice. Ocular allergy may also be reduced as the lens acts as a physical barrier against airborne allergens.
While many of these factors are modifiable, there are obviously some which we can’t change. It is the role of your optometrist to help manage your ocular surface and dry eye disease risk and recommend steps you can take to reduce your symptoms and in doing so, improve your quality of life.