Tear Health & Freedom over Itchy, Red, Irritated Eyes

Today, on 11/11, I'm excited to share something special that I've been working on for quite some time. In addition to providing you relief from dry, irritated eyes, I’ll be exploring the often-overlooked topic of tear health. It’s surprising how few have addressed this important subject. Many people believe that eye problems are simply an unavoidable consequence of ageing. However, ageing does not have to equate to conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or dry eyes, issues I’m focusing on today with a positive outlook. Let’s journey together toward healthier, happier eyes! If you haven't consistently taken steps to properly nourish and protect your eyes over the years. Don't worry virtually no one has, but don't remain virtually no one. This repeating condition is really annoying, a lot of people ask me about it and it can also mean more serious problems coming if you don't change course today. With no effort the risk of developing dry eyes tends to increase with age, with women being more susceptible than men. You might have experienced symptoms yourself, especially after spending time outdoors in windy conditions or wearing contact lenses for extended periods. Some common symptoms include: Scratchy or gritty sensation in the eyes. Feeling as though there’s something stuck in your eye. Heavy eyelids or difficulty blinking and occasional episodes of blurred vision. Wait don't start scrolling, I'm going to start out with solutions right now, as I know your pain, people come to visit Ancient Purity and ask what have you got for itchy red eyes, they don't want a health lecture, so straight away I'm going to say what to do then scroll on for the why, the prevention and the education.

Natural Strategies
While conventional treatments for dry eye syndrome often include tear-stimulating medications, artificial tears, or eye drops to reduce inflammation, prevention remains the most effective approach. Below are several natural strategies that may help prevent reduced tear production or improve tear quality. These methods can also assist in reversing existing symptoms when combined with efforts to reduce environmental triggers that exacerbate dry eyes. Again I have shared further down more on the tear factor so don't skip any of the Guide.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, renowned for its antioxidant properties. It is widely used in medical practice to reduce the viscosity of secretions in respiratory conditions. However, its benefits extend to eye health, where it is used by ophthalmologists to treat corneal abrasions, ulcers, and dry eye syndrome. In cases of chronic dry eye, mucus plaques can form on the corneal surface. NAC can help dissolve these plaques, thus enhancing eye health. Research suggests that NAC plays a protective role for the ocular surface by reducing inflammation. Animal studies have shown that NAC can suppress inflammatory responses, which are often linked to dry eye conditions. A human study comparing NAC with artificial tears demonstrated that patients using NAC showed significantly better objective improvements in eye health, even though subjective symptom relief was comparable. Additionally, NAC supports the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant critical for eye health. Low levels of glutathione have been linked to nearly all ophthalmological diseases, making NAC supplementation beneficial for protecting against oxidative damage. Here you can purchase N-Acetyl Cysteine NAC Capsules.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
At Ancient Purity, we always select Krill Oil as our preferred omega-3 fatty acids source. If you're vegan we have a Liposomal Omega Complex too. Anyway omega-3 fatty acids are essential for eye health, starting from foetal development and continuing throughout adulthood. These healthy fats may be particularly beneficial in alleviating dry eye symptoms. A study involving more than 450 participants found that a daily intake of 360 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 240 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly reduced dry eye symptoms, especially for those whose condition was exacerbated by prolonged computer use. After three months, participants taking omega-3 supplements reported fewer symptoms and reduced tear evaporation. In another study using a combination of fish oil and flaxseed oil, nearly 70% of participants became asymptomaticafter three months, suggesting an increase in tear production. A separate double-blind study involving postmenopausal women found that omega-3 supplementation helped stabilise corneal surface regularity, a critical factor for clear vision. To increase your intake of omega-3s, food wise you could go for wild-caught salmon, sardines, and anchovies or supplementing with Krill. Krill Oil is particularly effective as it contains both omega-3 fats and Astaxanthin, which offers additional protection against UV damage. So I'll cover that next

Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a potent carotenoid antioxidant derived from a specific type of microalgae. It is the pigment responsible for the pink colour of salmon, shrimp, lobster, and crab. The highest concentrations of astaxanthin are found in the muscles of wild-caught salmon, which may explain their remarkable endurance during long upstream migrations. Astaxanthin provides powerful protection for your eyes by neutralising free radicals and enhancing the immune system's activity. It increases the function of macrophages and T-cells, which are essential for immune defence. Research suggests that astaxanthin can protect against conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and even blindness by shielding the eyes from oxidative stress. Here you can purchase the only Natural Astaxanthin supported by over 70 clinical studies.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and preventing dryness. This essential nutrient plays a key role in producing the mucus layer of your tears, which helps keep the surface of your eyes lubricated. Without sufficient Vitamin A, your eyes can become dry, itchy, and more prone to irritation. Moreover, Vitamin A helps protect the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, reducing the risk of damage and infection. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a condition called xerophthalmia, characterised by dryness, inflammation, and, in severe cases, corneal ulcers. Food wise go for organic carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and egg yolks, which can support tear production and overall eye health. For those struggling with dry eyes, ensuring adequate Vitamin A intake can be a simple yet effective way to alleviate discomfort. I think the Liposomal Vitamin A we have is the most effective.

Other Tools, Life Hacks & Foods
Ok, those were my essential supplements, oh also I must say the Eye Health Complex we have does still play a part in this as it's overall eye health supportive. But next I'm going to cover the other non-supplement hacks. I know food should be first but frankly it's prevention, if you're waking up rubbing your eyes and it's ruining your day, get on the supplements, turn it around, then look at diet so it doesn't happen again. After this I'm going to get into prevention and avoiding any reoccurrences.

Light Therapy & Eyelid Massage
A technique known as intense pulsed light therapy, followed by a gentle massage of the eyelids, has shown promising results in managing severe dry eye. In a clinical study, 87% of participants experienced significant symptom relief after undergoing this therapy. The combination of light therapy and massage appears to enhance the function of the meibomian glands, which produce the essential oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

Sun Gazing for Eye Health
I prefer this to the above, however I can't really recommend you to do this, it's just something I practiced. Micro-dosing sunlight through gentle sun gazing, it's the practice of briefly exposing your eyes to natural sunlight, especially during the early morning or late afternoon, can benefit eye health and overall well-being when done correctly. I could write a whole article on Sun Gazing, maybe thats next. But I think it's worth you do some research. Sunlight exposure helps stimulate the production of dopamine in the retina, which is essential for maintaining healthy eye function and may reduce the risk of myopia (nearsightedness). The sun’s natural light also helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality and reducing eye strain from artificial lighting. Additionally, sunlight can promote the production of Vitamin D, which is linked to reduced inflammation and better tear production, potentially easing dry eye symptoms. However, it’s crucial to practice sun gazing safely. It should be done only during low UV times (early morning or late evening) and for short periods to avoid eye damage. Never stare at the midday sun, as this can be harmful to your eyes.

Vigorous Physical Exercise
I definitely can vouch this helped, but I want to back it up and according to Dr. Reza Dana, a professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, vigorous exercise can have a positive impact on eye health. He explains: “A lot of evidence supports the benefits of vigorous exercise. It improves blood flow, helps regenerate tissues, and, by increasing body heat, promotes the release of oils in the eyes.” Engaging in regular physical activity can therefore aid in maintaining proper eye lubrication, reducing the likelihood of dry eye symptoms.

Incorporate Regular Blinking & Eye Rest
Simply closing your eyes for a few minutes or blinking more frequently can help distribute the natural tear film more evenly across the eye’s surface. This can be particularly helpful if you are engaged in tasks that require intense focus, such as reading or working on a computer.

Comfort for Eyes Foods
Certain nutrient-rich foods can significantly improve eye hydration and reduce irritation. Avoiding processed foods is equally important, as they can promote inflammation and worsen dry eye symptoms. Instead, focus on a whole-food diet rich in nutrients to naturally support eye health. I personally eat meat too and I do think overall in the right amounts it's supportive. I've been vegan before I was also fine on that with my vision. It's not about me, whatever works for you, these foods I feel target improved eye health.

Eggs: A great source of Vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, eggs protect the surface of your eyes, enhance tear production, and reduce dryness. The antioxidants in eggs also protect against eye damage.

Fatty Fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, mackerel): These are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and enhance tear production, helping to keep your eyes lubricated. In addition, for those people not like to eat fish, Ancient Purity supplies Antartic Krill Oil Softgels housing omega-3 fatty acids as well and they're easy to take.

Organic Leafy Greens (e.g., spinach, kale): These are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that protect the eyes from dryness and oxidative stress.

Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, & Red Peppers: Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in the body, these vegetables support the production of the tear film that prevents eye dryness.

Nuts and Seeds (e.g., almonds, flaxseeds, chia seeds): High in omega-3s and Vitamin E, they help reduce inflammation and protect the eyes from irritation.

Avoid or limit the following

Use Water-Tight Goggles when Swimming
I will be honest if you're swimming in an indoor swimming pool you might actually be insane, it's a chemical wedding, don't do it. Swimming in a freshwater lake or the sea is recommended. Water-tight goggles will avoid exposure to chlorinated or salt water that can irritate your eyes and strip away the natural tear film. Wearing water-tight goggles can shield your eyes and help maintain moisture levels.

Consider Reducing or Eliminating Contact Lens Use
Contact lenses can contribute to dry eye by reducing the flow of oxygen to the cornea and disrupting the natural tear film. If you are prone to dry eyes, consider reducing your contact lens wear or switching to daily disposable lenses, which may be less drying. In some cases, glasses may be a better option to alleviate symptoms.

Adjust Your Computer Position
The position of your computer screen can influence tear evaporation. Ideally, position your monitor so you are looking slightly downwards at the screen. This reduces the surface area of your eyes exposed to air, which can help maintain moisture levels.

Modify Air Flow in Your Environment
Air conditioners, heaters, and fans can all dry out the air and exacerbate dry eye symptoms, particularly if the air is directed toward your face. Adjust vents and fans to ensure they do not blow directly onto your eyes. Using a humidifierin your home or workspace can also help maintain optimal air moisture, reducing the likelihood of dry eyes.

Behind Dry Eyes & Tear Health
No body knows what it's like! hopefully you got that. Anyway you know what it's like as you're here. Medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to keep the surface properly lubricated. If untreated, this condition can lead to serious eye damage and complications over time. In the past, the treatment for dry eye was relatively simple—adding moisture through artificial tears or saline solutions. However, recent research has revealed that tears are far more complex than just saltwater. They contain a delicate balance of substances, including lipids, proteins, and mucins, which all play a critical role in eye health. This newfound understanding has led to more sophisticated treatments that aim not just to hydrate the eyes, but also to restore their natural tear film and improve overall eye function.

The Fascinating Science Behind Your Tears
Tears may seem like simple drops of liquid, but they are far more complex than most people realise. In fact, tears are made up of multiple layers and contain up to 1,500 different proteins. They are a sophisticated blend of mucus, water, fatty oils, and various proteins designed to keep the surface of your eyes smooth, hydrated, and protected from harmful irritants and pathogens. Your eyes produce three types of tears, each with a unique chemical composition, secreted by different glands:

Meibomian glands: These glands produce the outermost oily layer of tears, which prevents rapid evaporation. This layer helps keep the eyes lubricated and shields them from drying out too quickly.

Lacrimal Glands: These glands produce the middle aqueous layer, which is rich in water and water-soluble proteins. This layer helps to nourish the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface over your pupil) and the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and the inside of your eyelids).

Goblet Cells: Found in the conjunctiva, these cells produce the innermost mucin layer, which is crucial for binding water from the aqueous layer, ensuring the eye’s surface remains consistently moist. When your eyes are healthy, a continuous flow of basal tears keeps the cornea protected. Every blink spreads these tears, nourishing the corneal cells and maintaining clear vision.

Different Types of Tears & Their Roles
The body produces three main types of tears, each serving a specific purpose:

Basal Tears: These are constantly produced to lubricate and protect your eyes, ensuring that the cornea remains nourished and free from damage.

Reflex Tears: These tears are produced in response to irritants like wind, smoke, or even onions. They help flush out foreign particles from the eye to prevent harm.

Emotional Tears: These are the tears most people are familiar with—triggered by strong emotions such as joy, sorrow, anger, or frustration. Interestingly, these tears may contain a higher concentration of proteins and stress-related chemicals than the other types, although this is still a subject of ongoing research.

The Impact of Tears on Eye Health
On average, your eyes produce about 1.2 ml of tears per day, adding up to roughly half a litre annually. Proper tear production is vital not just for comfort but also for visual clarity. Without sufficient tears, or if the composition of the tears is altered, your eyes may become dry and your vision may blur, as tears play a crucial role in how your eyes focus light and perceive colours. When tear production is inadequate, the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the eye and lining the eyelids) can become dry, leading to a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome).

Beyond Moisture: The Emotional Power of Tears
Tears do more than just keep your eyes moist—they also play a role in emotional health. Emotional tears, produced in moments of intense feelings, serve as an important release mechanism for the body. Studies suggest that crying helps release stress-related hormones and toxins, which may explain why people often report feeling better after shedding tears. In fact, William Frey, a biochemist and researcher, has highlighted that crying is an exocrine process, similar to exhaling, sweating, or urinating. This process helps the body expel toxins accumulated during stressful experiences.

As Frey explains: "Crying is an exocrine process in which a substance is released from the body. Other exocrine processes, like sweating, urinating, and exhaling, also release toxins. There’s every reason to believe that crying does the same, removing chemicals produced during stress." Additionally, crying may trigger the release of endorphins, which are often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These natural chemicals can help stabilise your mood and improve your emotional outlook. Even if the underlying issue remains, crying can provide a sense of relief and mental clarity, potentially helping you make better decisions.

Gender Differences in Crying
It’s also interesting to note that women tend to cry more frequently than men, averaging about 5.3 times per month compared to men’s 1.4 times. While biological factors may play a role, cultural influences also contribute, as Western societies tend to be more accepting of women expressing emotions through tears than men.

The Healing Power of Emotional Tears
The act of crying has been linked to emotional healing, as it can help release pent-up feelings of anger, sadness, grief, or joy. Emotional tears can be cathartic, providing a physical release for feelings that might otherwise become overwhelming. So, while it might seem like a simple response, crying is actually a complex and beneficial process that supports both physical and emotional well-being.

So What Else is Causing This
Right thats all that I think you need to do. It really covers every angle for each different factor. So whatever caused it for you, I think the solution is in the text above. Now you're down here and almost done with this I will cover some other things you need to watch out for. Then sign off, so enjoy and see you on the road (clearly). First let's think of the immediate environmental factors, like wind, dry eye can also be worsened by wind and smoke exposure, I mean from fires not just someones cigarette. Seasonal allergies are an environmental issue, thats a separate guide on dealing with those. But bizarrely antihistamines meant to help may actually worsen the eyes and make them more irritated. Then other medications antidepressants, or birth control but I doubt you're on those if you're at Ancient Purity.

Extended screen time or infrequent blinking are big factors, I covered the opus of tears above. But there is evaporative dry eye where faster tear evaporation due to poor tear quality, which is more common. Certain health conditions can impact both tear quality and quantity, contributing to chronic dry eye. These include: Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause) Sjögren's syndrome, Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) Diabetes, thyroid disorders, Vitamin A deficiency and lasik eye surgery - my uncle did this and it wrecked his eyes, don't do it is my personal advice. The eyes need consistent moisture to stay healthy. Without enough tears, there’s a higher risk of infections and conjunctival inflammation. If left untreated, dry eye can lead to corneal abrasions, ulcerations (keratitis), and even permanent vision damage due to scarring. Perhaps that is the most important part. Go watch a sad movie once a week and cry your heart out. I think it's good for you. I'm feeling too happy for that today and I actually fancy eggs for breakfast. Come back to this and remind yourself make these things habit. By the way I used all of the below info to gather my current recommendations. Blessed be, Tom

American Academy of Ophthalmology, Eye Health Statistics
National Eye Institute, Facts About Dry Eye
New York Times, July 31, 2017
Huffington Post, January 10, 2014
Science Alert, May 12, 2015
Merck Manual, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Dr. Judith Orloff, The Health Benefits of Tears
New York Times, August 31, 1982
Psychology Today, July 27, 2010
MayoClinic Dry Eye Complications
Health Services Executive, Dry Eye Syndrome
Dr. Sandra Cremers, N-Acetyl-Cysteine for Dry Eyes
Review of Ophthalmology, November 15, 2006
All About Vision, Omega-3 and Your Eyes
Ophthalmology News, Omega-3 and Dry Eye
Well-Wise, Krill Oil Benefits
What Is Dry Eye, Astaxanthin Benefits for Eye Health