Researchers have identified a previously unobserved correlation between osteoporosis and dry eye syndrome. This link has potentially dire implications for bone health. Dry eye syndrome can cause reduced vision, which, in turn, can lead to falls, and fractures.
Today we'll look at the research that uncovered this association, and you'll learn about non-toxic home remedies to prevent and reverse dry eye syndrome.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eye surface is not adequately lubricated. Underproduction or over-evaporation of moisture can both result in dry eyes.
Your eyes produce and maintain three different layers of tear film, each of which serves important functions supporting the health of your eyes. When any one of these layers is disrupted or damaged, your vision can be compromised.1
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can include:
- Eye pain
- Irritated or red eyes
- Unusual tearing
- Sandy feeling eyes
- A stinging or burning eye sensation
- Blurry vision
- Overuse of contact lenses
- Aging
- Inadequate blinking
- Excessive screen use
- Eye surgery
- Tear gland dysfunction
- Continual exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air
- Allergies
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Conditions such as immune disorders and arthritis
There are many known causes of dry eyes. They include:
We can now add osteoporosis to this list, thanks to groundbreaking research published in the scientific journal PLOS One.
Synopsis
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when your eyes are inadequately lubricated. It can compromise your vision. It may have other symptoms such as pain, tearing, or irritation. There are many causes of dry eye syndrome, listed above.
The Study Linking Bone Density And Dry Eye Syndrome
Our bodies are intricate webs of interacting systems. While this makes us flexible and resilient, it also means that a problem with one body system can impact others in unexpected ways.
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A group of researchers investigated one such connection between bodily processes. They conducted a study with more than 189,000 participants to see whether there is a link between osteoporosis and dry eyes. They followed this group of participants for 11 years to see whether osteoporosis was an independent factor in the risk of developing dry syndrome.1
They found that 15.29% of the participants with osteoporosis developed dry eye syndrome. Only 10.44% of participants who didn't have osteoporosis developed dry eye syndrome. Even after adjusting for different variables, the difference persisted.1
This led the researchers to conclude that osteoporosis is a risk factor for the subsequent development of dry eye syndrome.1
Synopsis
The study followed more than 189,000 participants for eleven years. Researchers found that participants with osteoporosis were more likely to develop dry eye syndrome.
How To Treat And Prevent Dry Eyes
The relationship between osteoporosis and dry eye syndrome is particularly troublesome because its symptoms include vision impairment, which increases the risk of falls and fractures.
Clearly, anyone with an osteoporosis diagnosis should take immediate action to remedy dry eye syndrome.
The Medical Establishment turns, as usual, to Big Pharma for fast and profitable solutions that are at best unnecessary, and at worst harmful. For example, the prescription eye drops sold as Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) can cause significant side effects in as many as a quarter of users. Those side effects include visual impairment– the very symptom we most need to avoid!2
Fortunately, there are lots of natural approaches for relieving dry eyes. Try one or more of these home remedies:
- Hot Compress – soak a clean cloth in warm water, ring out excess water, and place on your closed eyes for five to ten minutes. You can do this multiple times a day to increase the thickness of your tear film.3
- Cucumber – Cucumber is a well known method for moisturizing eyes. Chill and slice a cucumber. Then place the slices on your eyelids to soothe and relax your eyes.
- Chamomile tea – Brew some chamomile tea for at least 10 minutes, and instead of drinking it, chill it in the refrigerator. Then dip cotton swabs into the tea and place them on your eyelids for 10 to 15 minutes.4
- Aloe Vera – Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel on your eyelids. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and pro-healing properties.5
- Olive oil – The anti-inflammatory compounds in olive oil make it a soothing topical treatment. Put a few drops on your fingertips and massage onto your closed eyelids. Cover with your hands for a few minutes and let your skin absorb the oil.
- Coconut oil – You can use 100% organic virgin coconut oil as anti-inflammatory moisturizing eye drops. Simply put a few drops in both your eyes and blink a few times to let your eyes absorb the oil6
- Castor Oil – You can do the same thing with cold-pressed, organic castor oil. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and lubricant to reduce itching and burning, thanks to high levels of ricinoleic acid.7
- Vitamins and nutrients – Supplementation with certain vitamins and nutrients can ensure your body has what it needs to keep your layers of tear film strong. Vitamins D, B12, and A are all important, as are Omega-3 fatty acids.8,9,10
- Flaxseed Oil – Supplementation with flaxseed oil provides the Omega-3 fatty acids your body needs to successfully lubricate your eyes. Studies have found this treatment to be effective.11
- Fish oil – Similar to flaxseed oil, fish oil provides Omega-3 fatty acids that promote eye health. In studies, participants relieved dry eyes by taking fish oil supplements.12
As always, prevention is far preferable to treatment. Here are some environmental and behavioral changes that can help prevent dry eyes:
- Reduce your screen time, and use anti-glare glasses
- Avoid exposure to dry air and wind
- Use a humidifier in your home
- Take breaks during long stretches of visual activity
- Avoid smoke
Synopsis
Dry eye syndrome can impair vision, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. So it's especially important for Savers to pursue a natural, drug-free course of prevention and remedy. See the lists above for home remedies and preventative strategies.
What This Means To You
This knowledge puts you ahead of the curve, and if you're working to reverse osteoporosis, now you know what to do to prevent dry eye syndrome.
And if you're following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you already know that it is a holistic protocol that considers the larger picture of how your overall health interacts with your bone health.
Keep your eyes sharp and your bones strong for an enjoyable and worry-free life.
References
1 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0207008
2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27055211/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12695712
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9121170/
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4352907/
7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12414410/
8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5048427/
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4777935/
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28299439/
Thank you very much Vivian for all the help and information that you are giving us.
I been suffering for long time of dry eye condition and osteoporosis. I have been following the recommendations in your book, also the emails you sending me have been very helpful.
God bless you ever. And thank you very much again for all you are doing for each of us.
Leonor
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I have had dry eye since using anti histamine for hay fever for a month. Worst thing I ever did. Optician gave me eye drops which were useless. Your article is fantastic. I have used aloe vera twice a day to massage the eye lids,
with warm cloth for 10 minutes and my dry eye is nearly gone.
Thank you so much Vivian.
You’re very welcome, and I thank you for sharing your success with our natural treatment suggestion, Jean!
Thank you for the article on relation between dry eyes and osteoporosis-osteopenia. Yes, I also have both and have had great success with the latter by using your diet and exercise regimen (some densercise and yoga). Exercise is recommended for the eyes:). I do use Healthy Directions Eyedrate for dry eyes and their Vision Essentials Gold for healthy eyes, taking both together. I am 81 and my eye doctor was amazed at the good condition of my eyes when I had cataract surgery. I am always happy for new natural suggestions on dealing with dry eyes. Mine are somewhat severe, and I have allergies so I’m eager to try some additional suggestions. Thanks a bunch. I can tell a big difference though when I omit the above mentioned eye vitamins. I have tried many and these help me.
You’re very welcome, Carol! I’m so glad that the pH-balanced diet and exercise are helping you to improve your bone health! And let us know about your progress with the natural solutions for dry eyes.
Thank you for all your info.
I’m 79, and over the counter meds for dry eyes , burn my eyes and I do Not take any meds etc.
For dry eyes I wash my eye lashes when eyes closed in the shower with JJ baby shampoo. Using just a drop on my fingers.
I was just at the eye Dr. and I told him. He said good idea, as there is something ( didn’t understand him we all had masks on) in the baby JJ that helps dry eyes.
I do not use it every day after a week or two , as there not dry any more for a few months.
The baby shampoo helps most likely because washing your eyelids can help clear them of oil buildup or debris around the lashes, plus it can decrease bacteria around the eyelids. Thanks for sharing this, Annie!
I have had good results with eye masks that you heat in the microwave for 20 seconds. The heat stays longer than with hot compresses. Bruder is the brand my ophthalmologist recommended. It was suggested to follow up with an application of Cliradex tea tree oil based foam to take care of dermodex mites, which I was told are common. Very effective!
We appreciate that you’re sharing helpful information with the Saver community!
Thank you, Ita.
You’re very welcome 🙂
I always put osteoporosis and dry eye on doctors’ questionnaires, and none, neither the osteoporosis doctors nor the eye doctors, have linked them! I’ve gotten much relief from a product made by the PRN (Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals) company called DE, their Dry Eye Omega Benefits Supplement. When I take it regularly it definitely helps the dry eye. And warm, moist compresses help from time to time.
Thanks for chiming in, Joan!
Thank you for the article and the home remedies. Would you be able to tell me a good eye vitamin for me to take, not for dry eyes specifically but for healthy eyes? My eye doctor recommended one but its full of artificial ingredients and toxins. Thank you. Nancy
Nancy, please check your email inbox within the next 24 to 48 hours. We are delighted to help you!
Customer Support
Thank you so much Miss Vivian. I love all your home remedies, I hope this article will also help me to relax my eyes problem.
Regards
Shamse
You’re welcome, Shamse 🙂
Wow! I have been dealing with dry eye syndrome for over a year. Last week I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. Just read Vivian’s article on the correlation between dry eye conditions and osteoporosis. This is right on time. Nothing the doctor has prescribed has worked for me. I will immediately began the natural remedies. Thank You Vivian. I am new to the program and ready to get the whole process started in my journey to restoring bone health. Bless you !
I’m so glad the timing is right for you, Sylvia! Let us know which natural solutions worked for you.
Interesting article. As usual, my issues have happened ahead of scientific research so I’ve had to do my own. For some reason my body is unable to convert vitamin d2 into d3, so I ended up with very dry eyes.
Fortunately I found an article that helped me understand that and my dry eyes were eased almost immediately when I turned to vitamin d3 in an mct oil suspension. It is amazing the difference that has made for me.
I congratulate you on solving your issues, Shaz!
This is a very helpful article as I have been suffering from dry eyes recently, and so I will work my way through the home remedies and decide which one is best for me. Vivian manages to come up with just the right information at the right time. Thank you.
It’s my pleasure, Muriel!
Thank you so much for your Dry Eye article
I found it very interesting. I learn something new every week Regards Pauline
You’re welcome, Pauline!