Patient One Dry Eye Care combines synergistic vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to combat the discomfort associated with dry eyes. This formula provides ideal natural support for those who suffer from burning, itchy, irritated eyes or who have had previous eye surgery, wear contact lenses or spend prolonged time in front of a computer screen or television. Dry eyes is among the most frequent complaints in a general ophthalmic practice, with approximately one in every four people reporting dry eye issues. The aging process causes a decrease in the production of oil which is a common cause of dry eyes. Tear production also diminishes with various health conditions, or as a side eect of certain medications. In addition, environmental conditions such as exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation.
Key Ingredients
Vitamin A helps protect the cornea, the surface of the eye, and is essential for good vision. It is found naturally in the tear film of healthy eyes and is key to the production of the mucous layer of the tears. Vitamin A deficiency has been shown to create and exacerbate dry eye challenges.
Vitamin C, an antioxidant, is found in higher concentrations in the tear film than the amount found in the blood. Vitamin C supports a healthy inflammatory response and improves eye comfort.
Vitamin E, another important antioxidant that is essential for eye health, helps promote healthy tear film function. Vitamin E is thought to protect cells of the eyes from damage caused by free radicals, which can break down healthy tissue.
Zinc is a factor in the metabolic function of several enzymes in the vascular coating of the eye. It plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc is highly concentrated in the eye, mostly in the retina and choroid, the vascular tissue layer lying under the retina.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids may help stimulate tear production. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids appear to work by supporting a healthy inflammatory response and by changing the lipid composition in the meibomian oil-producing glands in the lower eyelid. Essential fatty acids also play a role in helping eye fluids drain, supporting healthy intraocular pressure.
Flax Seed Oil and Black Currant Oil are rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) that work throughout the body to protect cell membranes and support a healthy inflammatory response. One study suggests that black currants can inhibit leukocyte (white cell) infiltration during inflammatory processes. The combination of flax seed oil and black currant oil in our formula provides over 247 mg of the EFA Alpha Linolenic Acid.
Borage Oil has been found to be beneficial in soothing dry eyes. Research has shown that borage oil’s beneficial effects can be traced to its rich stores of a therapeutic fat called gamma linolenic acid (GLA).