When it comes to eye health, one of the most common complaints of discomfort is dry eyes. Occasional dry eyes is a condition that occurs when the eyes have insufficient production of tears or a reduction in the quality and quantity of any tears that can be produced.
Occasional dry eyes can be caused by a myriad of reasons, such as:
- Screentime use: tablets, computers, smartphones
- Use of contact lenses
- Environmental conditions: dry/windy climate, smoke exposure
- Laser eye surgery
- Aging
- Medications
- Hormonal changes
Finding a way to manage occasional dry eyes effectively can be quite difficult. Fortunately, there are supplements that may help support dry eyes by promoting healthy tear production, and improved moisture and hydration.
What are the best supplements for dry eyes?
According to our own proprietary survey data, more than 75% of consumers who battle occasional dry eyes use artificial tears to minimize their discomfort. Unfortunately, 60% find eye drops to be inconvenient. 70% of consumers ultimately believe that supplements are just as effective as eye drops, if not more so. It’s no wonder 70% would welcome a more holistic approach to their dry eyes.
Nutritional supplements may be a good support when it comes to managing occasional dry eyes. Several nutrients and bioactive compounds have been reported to help address dry eye issues including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as vitamins A and C. However, science is mounting on the importance of the macular carotenoids (i.e., lutein and zeaxanthin isomers), vitamin D3, and curcuminoids to help manage occasional dry eyes.
Lutein and zeaxanthin isomers for eyes
Carotenoids are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors of red, orange, yellow, or green. They are known for their antioxidant properties. Not only are carotenoids found highly concentrated in the light-exposed structures of plants, but they are also similarly found in large numbers in your eye’s retina as well. And inside the retina is a particularly sensitive area known as the macula, which houses a group of photoreceptors that produce the eye’s sharpest vision; moreover, it gives it the ability to perceive colors. The pigment in the macula is formed by the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin isomers.
Lutein and zeaxanthin isomers create the pigment in the macula. Offering antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they are the guardians of those sharp-vision photoreceptors. Two important ways they help protect the eye are by providing antioxidant support as well as filtering blue light and reducing oxidative stress caused by blue light—high energy light we receive from the sun, LED lights, and digital screen exposure from tablets, laptops, and smartphones, to name a few. Although they have identical chemical formulas, zeaxanthin and lutein are absorbed into cells in slightly different ways. Dividing and conquering, zeaxanthin preferentially deposited in the center of the macula, while lutein deposits more so in the perimeter.
Vitamin D3
Vitamins are chemical compounds that allow our bodies to grow, support the immune system, and help absorb nutrients. When exposed to sunlight, the body receives vitamin D, which it then converts into vitamin D3.
This is simply a bioactive form of vitamin D. Once in the body, vitamin D3 is converted into a hormone called calcitriol—the active form of vitamin D that supports overall health.
For several reasons, vitamin D has been a focus in eye health. First, there is evidence that a vitamin D receptor is actually present within the eye. Second, vitamin D plays a role in immune support and modulating a response to inflammation. Third, this nutrient seems to support the health of the epithelial cells that help to generate a stable tear film and the production of mucin. Lastly, data shows that higher serum levels of vitamin D are associated with good tear production and stability.
Curcuminoids
Curcuminoids are a group of organic plant compounds that exhibit a golden-yellowish hue and are extracted from turmeric plants. Curcumin is the main compound ingredient utilized from turmeric curcuminoids and is revered for its antioxidant properties.
Clinical research calls attention to multiple eye conditions including not only dry eye, but also highly prevalent glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Occasional Dry Eye Support with Nutritears
Nutritears is OmniActive’s answer to occasional dry eye support. Their patent-pending combination of powerful ingredients–lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin D3, and curcuminoids–are delivered through OmniActive’s Integrated Actives process. Their micronization technology facilitates high bioactive delivery for better absorption, which translates to maximum therapeutic effects. This method allows for these compounds to be combined into an effecacious, small dose. People seeking occasional dry eye relief can conveniently take just one pill a day, and may experience their need for artificial tears is greatly reduced. Clinically tested, this multimodal approach has been shown to:
- Improve eye hydration and moisture
- Lessen tear loss and improve healthy tear production
- Soothe issues associated with occasional dry eye in as little as two weeks
- Delivering an efficacious dose of lutein and zeaxanthin to help support vision health and performance benefit
Contact OmniActive to learn more about how their patent-pending ingredients can support your products.