Dry eyes are a condition that can make your eyes irritated and itchy and it happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay lubricated throughout the day. It is a very common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. While many chronic dry eye sufferers take doctor prescribed medications to treat the condition—such as Lumify, Ivizia, Cyclosporine, Verkazia, and Restasis—studies show that certain foods can also help prevent dry eyes

1. Flax and chia seeds

Flax and chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids which can help hydrate your eyes by increasing tear production, reducing inflammation, and balancing your hormones. All together this can help your eyes stay lubricated and go back to normal.

2. Dark leafy greens

Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens contain many healthy vitamins which are good for your eyes such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E. Eating these foods and consuming these vitamins has been linked to lowering your risk of developing long term eye problems.

3. Walnuts and cashews

Walnuts  and cashews are high in omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin E. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in keeping your eyes lubricated. Vitamin E helps prevent age related damage such as damage to the tear ducts or eyes.

4. Carrots

Carrots are known to help improve vision and be helpful with eyesight. This is because carrots are high in vitamin A which helps protect your overall eye health, especially the surface of the eye, which can help ward off dry eyes.

5. Fatty fish

Much like flax and chia seeds, fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This essential nutrient helps to keep your eyes hydrated and lubricated by increasing tear production, helping to reduce inflammation, and balancing hormones.

6. Beans

Beans are a great food that contain high amounts of bioflavonoids and zinc. Having enough zinc in your diet is important for your eyes because it contributes to the production of melanin, which can help prevent damage to your eyes from the sun. Bioflavonoids are good at preventing damage to the retina.

7. Water

Drinking lots of water throughout the day is a great way to help your body produce higher volumes of tears to keep your eyes lubricated all day. It is recommended that you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated and keep your eyes healthy.