Anita Zhuravljova, leading optometrist and dry eye management specialist at KSA Silmakeskus, explains why treating dry eye often requires looking beyond the surface of the eye and into a patient's dietary habits. According to Anita Zhuravljova, patients often associate dry eye syndrome solely with environmental factors like screen time, dry office air, or contact lenses. However, she emphasizes that recent comprehensive research, particularly from Asia, has shifted the clinical understanding of ocular surface diseases, revealing that an individual's systemic and metabolic health plays a massive role. For instance, the renowned Osaka Study in Japan demonstrated that dry eye is not just a localized issue, but is closely tied to metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, excess body fat, and abnormal blood sugar levels. Zhuravljova explains that consuming excess calories accelerates the body's aging process and increases oxidative stress, which can lead to a functional decline in the tear-producing glands.
Conversely, clinical literature suggests that calorie-restricted diets can actually help maintain healthy tear secretion and reduce this damaging oxidative stress. Additionally, the types of carbohydrates consumed can impact ocular comfort. Some dry eye sufferers notice an immediate worsening of eye pain after eating meals with a high glycemic index, such as large portions of white rice. The rapid blood sugar spikes caused by these carbohydrates can promote systemic inflammation and cause the eyes to swell slightly or feel irritated.
When discussing everyday beverages and dietary habits, Zhuravljova notes that patients frequently ask her about coffee. Because caffeine has a diuretic effect, many mistakenly believe it dehydrates the body and actively worsens dry eyes. However, she points to a massive study analyzing the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which found absolutely no significant relationship between the frequency of coffee consumption and the risk of dry eye syndrome. Zhuravljova's key takeaway for her patients at KSA Silmakeskus is that maintaining a balanced diet to prevent metabolic syndrome is not just good for overall health—it is an essential, foundational strategy for keeping the eyes comfortably lubricated.
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