City-dwellers may be more likely to experience dry eye syndrome[1] , a condition where not enough tears are produced to coat the eyes, according to a new study.


The study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, shows that a diagnosis with dry eye syndrome is three to four times more common in residents of New York City and Chicago[2] , than in less urban, less-polluted areas.


"Undoubtedly, many people living in arid and polluted cities would readily attest to the irritating effect air pollution has on dry eye[3] ," study researcher Anat Galor, M.D., MPSH, of the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center and an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, said in a statement. "Our research suggests that simple actions, such as maintaining the appropriate humidity indoors and using a high-quality air filter, should be considered as part of the overall management of patients suffering from dry eye syndrome."


The study included data from 606,708 veterans who visited one of 394 VA eye clinics to receive treatment for dry eye between 2006 and 2011. Researchers looked at where these veterans lived, and found that those who lived in cities with greater air pollution had higher risk of dry eye syndrome. The prevalence of dry eye syndrome was also highest in big cities, including Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City, ranging from 17 to 21 percent. These cities all had high pollution levels.


An association was also found between dry eye and altitude. People who lived in ZIP codes with high altitudes had a 13 percent higher risk of dry eye.


According to the National Institutes of Health, dry eye typically becomes more common with age[4] , and can be caused by smoking or smoke exposure, certain medications (such as allergy and cold medicine), exposure to sun and living or working in a dry environment. People with dry eye can treat their condition using artificial tears[5] .



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  • Kale, Spinach And Collards


    Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that protect and maintain healthy cells -- and they're abundant in these dark, leafy greens, Caplan explains. She quotes <a href="http://www.aoa.org/" target="_hplink">The American Optometric Association,</a> which has reportedly said they act like "internal sunglasses" that can "filter harmful blue waves."

    Another bonus?

    "These [greens] are also high in vitamin A, which is good for the eyes," Caplan said.




  • Oysters


    Zinc deficiency has been linked to impaired vision and poor night vision, as well as cloudy cataracts, Caplan says. But getting plenty of of the nutrient can work wonders, slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration, which is <a href="http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp#1" target="_hplink">a common condition in adults age 50</a> and older.

    Oysters are a great source of zinc, Caplan explains. And if they're not exactly your thing, she suggests trying lobster, salmon, beef or milk instead.




  • Apricots


    Apricots are a good source of beta carotene and lycopene, both carotenoids that can help promote good vision, explains Elisa Zied, an author and registered dietitian.

    Indeed, the <a href="http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/resources/information.aspx?post=98fede9b-f533-4530-9c69-a7d159063010" target="_hplink">Macular Degeneration Association explains</a> that the body converts beta carotene into vitamin A, which resists damage to cells and tissues, including the eye lens.

    "Continued oxidative stress may result in the development of cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and lead to macular degeneration," the <a href="http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org/resources/information.aspx?post=98fede9b-f533-4530-9c69-a7d159063010" target="_hplink">organization says.</a>




  • Sweet Potatoes


    "It's prudent for people to follow current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, consuming at least three-and-a-half or four cups of produce each day," Zied says. And she recommends that people pay particular attention to eating plenty of fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamins C and A -- which is why sweet potatoes are high on her eye-health list.

    In fact, <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2667/2" target="_hplink">a one-cup serving of sweet potato</a> has more than the full daily requirement for vitamin A. And yes, there is another orange, vitamin A-rich option that's more commonly associated with protecting our peepers: Zied also recommends good ol' carrots.




  • Eggs


    Eggs are another food that's relatively high in zinc, Caplan explains. They're also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids <em>and</em> lutein.

    As Tufts nutritional biochemist <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/Eating-Eggs-Can-Benefit-Eye-Health-882515" target="_hplink">told FitSugar, </a>eggs don't contain as much of that particular carotenoid as the leafy greens that are also on this list, but "the body is able to absorb these antioxidants better from eggs," <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/Eating-Eggs-Can-Benefit-Eye-Health-882515" target="_hplink">she says.</a>




  • Wheat Germ


    "Vitamin E might slow macular degeneration [and can also] decrease risk of cataracts," Caplan says (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-vitamin-e" target="_hplink">although WebMD cautions</a> that studies looking at possible benefits for cataracts have been inconclusive).

    She recommends wheat germ as her top source for vitamin E, as well as other tasty options like almonds, sunflower seeds, peanut butter and the aforementioned sweet potato.