Dry eye and nutrition: what really helps your eyes

Can diet improve dry eye? Food does not cure dry eye, but it does help. Dry eye is a multifactorial condition, and diet is one of the legs of the table. A balanced diet, with few ultra-processed foods and little alcohol, supports your overall health and complements the treatment your case needs, always after a professional assessment.

What does the latest evidence say about diet and dry eye?

In June 2025 the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society published TFOS DEWS III, the leading international report on dry eye. Its conclusion on nutrition is clear: it can help, but it is not a standalone treatment and should be combined with conventional therapy.

The same report notes that vitamin A, B12 and D supplements can be useful when there is a deficiency, and that other habits are worth reviewing too: screens, sleep, cosmetics and your environment.

Which eating habits make the most sense?

A balanced, varied plate

A practical guide is the Healthy Eating Plate from the Harvard School of Public Health: half the plate vegetables and some fruit, a quarter quality protein, and a quarter whole grains or root vegetables. For cooking and dressing, extra virgin olive oil.

In Menorca it is easy: seasonal, locally grown and organic vegetables, and oily fish such as mackerel, sardines or wild salmon.

Fewer ultra-processed foods and added sugars

Packaged pastries, sugary soft drinks and highly processed products provide plenty of calories and few nutrients. The WHO recommends that free sugars make up less than 10% of daily energy intake.

A simple tip: if you cannot understand the ingredient list on a label, choose a fresh food instead.

Go easy on alcohol

A small study published in Ophthalmology in 2012 found that after drinking alcohol, tears became more concentrated and less stable for several hours. In a large Dutch study of more than 77,000 people, alcohol use was linked to more dry eye symptoms in women.

Vitamin A, without self-medicating

A lack of vitamin A can seriously damage the surface of the eye, but deficiency is uncommon in Spain. You will find it in eggs, dairy and fish. It is also in vegetables such as carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin and spinach, which provide beta-carotene, a pigment the body turns into vitamin A. Do not take supplements without professional advice.

What about omega-3 supplements?

TFOS DEWS III concludes that, overall, the evidence points to a beneficial effect of omega-3 supplements. However, it also notes that the optimal source, dose and ratio are still unknown.

Oily fish is a good choice in your diet. If you are thinking of taking a supplement, talk to your optometrist or doctor first: the quality of the product and your individual situation both matter.

What else affects dry eye in Menorca?

Island life has its own challenges, whether you live here all year or are visiting for a few weeks. Many people notice their eyes feel drier on windy days or after a long day at the beach. The tramuntana wind, strong sun, salty air and air conditioning during the summer season all increase tear evaporation. Long hours on screens reduce blinking.

Some treatments are also worth reviewing. Isotretinoin for acne and retinoid creams applied close to the eyelid margin can affect the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tears. If you use them, mention it at your eye check-up.

When should you get your eyes checked?

Book a check-up if you notice a gritty feeling, stinging, red eyes or vision that fluctuates at the end of the day. If symptoms are severe, you have pain or your vision drops, seek care as soon as possible.

In our dry eye unit we assess your tears and meibomian glands. This lets us recommend the right treatment for your case, including thermotherapy when needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a food that cures dry eye?

No. No food cures dry eye. A balanced diet supports your overall health and your eye health too, but treatment depends on the cause and should be assessed by a professional.

Does drinking more water help dry eye?

Staying hydrated matters for general health, but a study of more than 51,000 people found that drinking more water than usual did not reduce dry eye.

Should I take omega-3 supplements for dry eye?

They may help as a complement, but they do not replace treatment. Ask your optometrist or doctor before taking them.

Does alcohol make dry eye worse?

It can. It has been shown to disturb the tear film for hours after drinking, and in women it is linked to more dry eye symptoms.

If you have dry eye symptoms, Óptica Carreras can help you find the cause. You will find us at Costa de sa Plaça, 16, 07702 Maó (Menorca). Call us on 971 363 560 or book your appointment here.

Written by Mª Gracia Carreras, optometrist.
Collegiate number: 5.232