Product Reviews and Information for Dry Eye

9/16/2022

Gluten & Dry Eye?

A CL member commented that their chronic dry eye went away after eliminating gluten from their diet. Is there clinical evidence that this can help? Find out in our article about supplements and lifestyle modifications for dry eye.

11/22/2022

Maqui Berry for Dry Eye?

Can supplementing with maqui berry extract (in products from LifeExtension, NOW, Swanson, and other brands) improve symptoms of dry eye? Find out what research suggests in our updated CL Answer about supplements for dry eye.

6/14/2022

Fish Oil For Dry Eye?

Can taking fish oil reduce dry eye in older men and women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our CL Answer about Supplements for Dry Eye.

8/16/2022

Water for Dry Eye?

Does drinking extra water help with dry eye? Find out in our updated article about dry eye -- which includes information about supplements and lifestyle habits than can help.

8/04/2013

Supplement Helps Dry Eye

A supplement containing omega-6 (from black currant seed oil) and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) was recently shown to improve symptoms of dry eye. Get the details about this formula (plus our test results of other omega-3 and -6 fatty acids supplements) in the updated Black Currant, Borage, Evening Primrose, and Flaxseed Oils Review >>

12/14/2021

Fish Oil for Dry Eye?

Does supplementing with fish oil, alone or in combination with other oils, improve symptoms of dry eye? See the results of the latest study in the What It Does section of our Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

4/14/2018

Fish Oil for Dry Eye?

A major study evaluated the effects of supplementing with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in people with dry eye. Get the results and details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements).

11/14/2023

Manuka Honey for Dry Eye?

Is manuka honey helpful for dry eyes when applied in an eye drop? Find out what research has shown in our article about manuka honey.

Also, find out if mixing manuka honey into hot beverages deactivates its key compounds.

8/08/2023

Castor Oil Eye Drops

Are castor oil eye drops helpful for dry eye, blepharitis, or cataracts, and are they safe? Find out in our article about castor oil eye drops.

11/28/2023

Enzymes for Eye Floaters

Does supplementing with digestive enzymes reduce eye floaters and improve sight? See what a recent study showed in the Eye Floaters section of our Digestive Enzymes Supplements Review.

Also see: Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?

9/07/2022

Supplement for Eye Floaters?

Did a supplement containing vitamin C, zinc, and other antioxidant ingredients help reduce eye floaters in a recent study? Find out in our article: Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?

3/11/2022

How Vitamin A Deficiency Can Affect the Eyes

Vitamin A deficiency was linked to eye floaters and loss of peripheral vision in a recently reported case. Get the details, and learn about other symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, in the What It Does section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin A supplements.

See our answer to the question: Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?

9/21/2021

Enzyme Supplements for Eye Floaters?

Can enzyme supplements (bromelain, papain and ficin) reduce eye floaters? Find out what a recent study suggests in the What They Do section of our Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?

11/30/2021

Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

Find out if flaxseed oil helps with eye floaters in our updated answer to the question: Do any supplements help prevent of reduce eye floaters?

7/13/2018

Fruit for the Eyes

Can consuming certain foods or beverages reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — a common eye disease? Yes, according to a recent study. Get the details in the food section of the Vision Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Rated vision supplements.)

5/28/2019

Glucosamine & Eye Pressure

Glucosamine may increase eye pressure in people with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension. But does it have this effect in people who don't have these conditions? See what a new study found in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Joint Health Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for glucosamine and chondroitin.

7/15/2017

Lutein May Reduce Eye Strain and Headaches

Taking a combination of lutein and other carotenoids may help reduce eye strain, fatigue, headaches and sleep problems associated with extended time spent in front of computer screens. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of our Vision Supplements Review. The Review includes our tests and quality comparisons of popular vision supplements.

11/01/2019

Eye Risk With High-Dose Niacin

Very high doses of niacin are sometimes used to lower high cholesterol, but there are risks -- including damage to the eye, as shown in a recent case. Get the details in the Niacin section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review.

6/02/2013

Glucosamine May Increase Eye Pressure

New research suggests that people with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension could have worsening eye pressure if they take a glucosamine supplement. Get the details (along with our tests of glucosamine and other joint health supplements) in the updated Glucosamine/Joint Health Supplements Review >>

6/21/2015

Lutein and Visual Processing

Lutein and zeaxanthin are known to help certain people who suffer from macular degeneration, an eye disease. A new study suggests that they may also improve visual processing, perhaps through effects outside the eye. For more details of the study, including dosage, as well as our tests of supplements, see the Review of Vision Supplements with Lutein and Zeaxanthin Review >>

9/22/2020

Fish Oil and Eye Bleeding

Can high-dose fish oil increase the risk of bleeding in the eye? Get the details of a recently reported case in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

1/25/2022

Goji Berries for the Eyes?

Goji berries are a good source of zeaxanthin, an anti-oxidant compound that, like lutein, may help protect the retina of eye. But does eating goji berries improve a measure of macular health (macular optical density) or improve vision? See what recent research showed in the Getting Lutein and Zeaxanthin from Food section of our Vision Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vision supplements.

8/30/2022

Tea Tree Oil Toxicity

Is tea tree oil safe to use around the eye? Be careful -- it can potentially cause eye injury.

There is also concern that tea tree oil can cause growth of breast tissue in young boys. Learn more about this in the Cautions and Concerns section of our Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils Review.

9/24/2024

Toothpaste for Dry Mouth

What should you look for in a toothpaste for dry mouth? Find out and see our Top Pick toothpaste for dry mouth in our article about toothpaste and other dental products. We discuss products from Sensodyne, Biotene, and Closus, and other brands.

Also see our recommendations regarding salivary stimulants, oral moisturizers, and lifestyle modifications for dry mouth.

8/12/2022

XyliMelts for Dry Mouth?

A CL member wrote to us about XyliMelts to treat symptoms of dry mouth. We've added clinical information about it to the Strategies to Reduce Dry Mouth section of our article about oral care products.

5/26/2023

Managing Dry Skin

Find out which ingredients in soap to avoid to keep skin from drying, as well 7 ways to keep skin hydrated in the tips for managing dry skin section of our article about soap.

9/26/2023

Carcinogen in Dry Shampoo – Legal Settlement

There is a settlement in a class action lawsuit against the maker of a popular brand of dry shampoos found to contain benzene (a carcinogen). Purchasers may be entitled to receive compensation. See details, including the deadline to make a claim, in our article about benzene in dry shampoos.

4/12/2024

Olive Oil Soap

A CL Member asked if olive oil soaps can help moisturize dry skin. Find out what the evidence suggests, plus, learn how olive oil may affect eczema, in our article about soaps for dry skin. Also see our Top Picks for soap and bodywash for dry skin.

Also, see our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among bottled olive oils.

10/21/2024

Carcinogen in Dry Shampoo – Legal Settlement

In 2022, we reported that benzene (a carcinogen) was found in many dry shampoos. A company that sells several of these products recently announced a cash settlement for consumers. Purchasers may be entitled to receive compensation. For details, see our article about benzene in dry shampoos.

Also read about benzene in spray deoderants and in sunscreens.

7/18/2024

Red Light Devices – More Answers

We've added more information to our recent article about red near infrared light devices about based on questions received:
 

• Vitiligo: Does red light help with vitiligo?
• Eye conditions: Is red light effective and safe for treating eye conditions , such as macular degeneration?
• Joint Pain: Is Move+ Pro by Kineon cleared by the FDA for reducing joint pain?
• Cleared by FDA? What is the difference between a device that has been "cleared" by the FDA as opposed to "approved" by the FDA?
• Product status: What is the FDA status of Omnilux Contour Face Mask, TenDlite, PainAway, and FibroLux?
• Devices vs. Sunshine? Since sunshine includes the wavelengths from red and near infrared light devices, why not just get sun exposure?

8/05/2022

Help for Dry Mouth

Find out which toothpastes, oral rinses and lifestyle modifications may help reduce symptoms of dry mouth.

A CL Member recently reported developing "dry mouth" after using CBD oil. Dry mouth is among the potential side effects of CBD. Learn more about this and other CBD side effects in the Concerns and Cautions section of the CBD & Hemp Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among CBD products.)

5/31/2023

Alpha Hydroxy Acid for Dry Skin?

Do alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help or hurt dry skin? Find out in our updated article about finding soaps that won’t irritate skin.

9/20/2022

Dry Mouth Spray

A CL member asked us to review the oral moisturizer Allday Dry Mouth Spray. Find out how it compares to other products, and see our Top Pick among them, in the Oral Moisturizers section of our article about the best toothpastes and other dental products.

9/23/2022

Side Effects of Dry Mouth Treatments

Be aware that many products that stimulate saliva production in people with dry mouth can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Learn more in the Salivary Stimulants section of our article dental products.

11/11/2022

Benzene in Dry Shampoos – What You Need to Know

The carcinogen, benzene, was recently discovered in tests of dozens of dry shampoos. Learn which products had the most or least benzene and how to minimize benzene exposure when using these products.

4/05/2024

New Formulation of Ivory Soap

Ivory Original Bar Soap was recently reformulated, but is it right for dry skin? Find out in our article about soaps for dry skin.

4/19/2024

Bar Soap for Dry Skin -- New Top Pick

Find out which bar soap is our new Top Pick for dry skin and learn why we like it better than our previous Top Pick bar soap, in our article: 5 Tips for Finding a Soap or Body Wash That Won't Irritate Skin.

4/02/2024

Lava Soap For Dry Skin?

Is Lava Bar Soap a good option for people with dry skin? Find out in our article about soaps that won't irritate skin, which includes our Top Picks among soaps and body washes.

1/27/2024

Soak Your Beans and Chickpeas!

It's important to soak dried beans and other legumes to reduce levels of two anti-nutrients: phytate and lectins. Find out how to reduce risk in our article about preparing dried beans to reduce phytate and lectins.

10/31/2020

Fish Oil & Vitamin D for Macular Degeneration?

Can taking fish oil and vitamin D reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? See what a large study found in the Eye Disease section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see the Vision Supplements Review for our tests of vision supplements, including those that most closely resemble the AREDS2 formula and our Top Picks among products.

10/02/2021

Sanitizer Warning

Consumers are being warned not to use a specific hand-held UV sanitizing wand that could cause skin or eye injury within seconds of use. Details are in our updated article about UV Light Sanitizers and COVID.

9/03/2019

Collagen for Wrinkles?

A new study put a popular branded collagen ingredient to the test, measuring its effects on collagen content in the skin and on facial wrinkles, including wrinkles around the eyes. See the results in our updated answer to the question: Do collagen or hyaluronic acid supplements really help aging or wrinkled skin?

11/08/2015

When to Use Lutein

Lutein and zeaxanthin can help people who have macular degeneration of the eye. However, a recent study found that taking lutein and zeaxanthin may only help those with existing low levels of these compounds. Get more details, including dosage, in the Lutein and Zeaxanthin Review >>

8/23/2016

Omega-3s and Diabetic Eye Disease

Getting the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from eating fish is associated with a much lower risk of developing sight-threatening retinopathy in diabetics, according to a recently published study. The same benefit has been shown in non-diabetics. But do omega-3 supplements help? Find out in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

2/25/2017

Lutein for Stress?

Supplementing with lutein can help some people protect against macular degeneration of the eye. A new study suggests it may also reduce stress. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Review of Vision Supplements with Lutein and Zeaxanthin (which includes our tests of products) >>

4/10/2011

Fish Oil and the Eye

A study of over 30,000 women showed that the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was reduced by up to 42% among those consuming the most fish and highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Find out the specific types and amounts of fish and the amounts of DHA and EPA associated with the greatest reductions in the risk of AMD. See the Fish Oil Supplements Review for more >>

1/19/2014

Multivitamin Lowers Cataract Risk

A large, long-term study using a low-dose multivitamin found that it reduced the risk of developing cataract (a clouding of the lens of the eye) by 9% compared to placebo. Interestingly, the reduced risk of cataract was negated when a separate vitamin C supplement was also taken. For details about the study and dosage, as well as our tests and comparison of multivitamins, see the updated Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review.   

4/20/2014

Probiotic Helps a Little with Allergy

Among people already taking a daily antihistamine, adding a daily probiotic provided a small, additional benefit -- particularly with ocular (eye) symptoms, according to a new study.  For more information about the probiotic used, and our tests of probiotic supplements, see the updated Probiotic Supplements Review >>   

8/03/2019

Concerns With Colloidal Silver

Consuming colloidal silver may affect the eyes and cause a type of vasculitis, according to recently published reports. Get the details in our answer to the question: Is ingesting colloidal silver helpful for any condition and is it safe to use?

7/03/2020

Lycopene for Wrinkles?

A recent study tested the effects of lycopene supplementation on wrinkles around the eyes ("crow's feet") in older women. Find out if it helped in the What It Does section of the Lycopene Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among lycopene supplements.

3/07/2020

Melatonin and Cataracts

Do you have cataracts (clouded lenses of the eye)? A recent study suggests that having them removed and replaced with a certain type of intraocular lens may increase natural melatonin production. For details, see the ConsumerTips section of the new Melatonin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among melatonin supplements.

4/28/2020

Early Sign of Thiamin Deficiency

Thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency can cause lasting neurologic damage and affect heart function. It can occur with poor nutrition and as a result of taking certain diuretics. A recent case highlighted an early sign of thiamin deficiency that involves the eyes. We've added this information to the Thiamin section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick for thiamin and B complexes that contain thiamin. You can also get thiamin from a good multivitamin.

10/01/2017

Does Lutein Help?

Lutein is an antioxidant that helps protect the retina of the eye and can slow the progression of macular degeneration. But does taking lutein help if you already have normal macular density? Two studies have "looked" at this question (including one published this week) and, you can "see" the answer in the "What It Does" section of Vision Supplements (Lutein & Zeaxanthin) Review >>

7/19/2022

Quercetin for Seasonal Allergies?

Did quercetin improve nasal and eye symptoms among people with seasonal allergies in recent study? Find out in the Seasonal Allergy section of our Quercetin Supplements Review.

1/28/2022

Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency

Although not common, be aware of signs of vitamin A deficiency involving the eyes, skin, and nails, as exemplified by a recent case. Get the details (including medical conditions which can cause it) in the What It Does section of our Vitamin A Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin A supplements.

12/20/2022

Collagen for Wrinkles?

How much did collagen supplementation reduce the severity of "crow’s feet" wrinkles around the eyes in a recent study? Find out in the Aging skin and wrinkles section of our Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among collagen supplements for skin and for joints.

8/29/2023

Counterfeit Vision Supplement

Counterfeit versions of a major brand of eye vitamin have been sold on Amazon. For details, see the Update in our Vision Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among vision supplements.

Also see: How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Vitamins and Supplements

4/23/2024

Hair Devices & Safety

Can low-level light therapy (LLLT) hair devices such as Theradome or Capillus cause eye damage? Find out in our article about hair supplements and devices.

1/19/2024

Pycnogenol for Hearts and Eyes?

We answered the following questions in our article about Pycnogenol and pine bark extracts:

• Does Pycnogenol help control coronary artery calcification?
• Is Pycnogenol beneficial for glaucoma?

2/06/2024

Omega-7s for Wrinkles?

Did taking an omega-7 supplement decrease wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) in a recent study? Find out in our Fish, Krill, and Algal Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for getting omega-7s.

Also see: Do any supplements increase skin elasticity or tighten the skin?

10/21/2024

Pistachio Eye Benefits?

Did eating pistachios, a natural source of lutein, improve macular pigment density in the retinas of people with low density levels (a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration)? Find out what a recent study showed in the Macular Degeneration section of our Vision Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick lutein and AREDS2 supplements

Also see: Do pistachios provide melatonin?

9/19/2024

Propolis for Vision?

Propolis is found in some eye formulas, but is there good evidence that is helps with conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage? Find out in our Vision Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among lutein and AREDS formula supplements.

Also find out if propolis has shown benefit for fatty liver disease or arthritis.

4/15/2022

Acrylamide in Fruit

Find out which dried or smoked fruits contain acrylamide, and which do not, in our updated article about acrylamide.

12/20/2022

Tallow Soap for Sensitive Skin?

Tallow soap might not be the best choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. Find out why in our updated CL Answer about finding a soap that won't irritate the skin.

1/30/2024

More Phytate Questions Answered

After posting about how to reduce phytate and lectins (which are anti-nutrients) in foods, we received and answered the following related questions:

• Do lentils or split peas need to be soaked to remove phytate or lectin?
• Does cooking dry beans in slow cookers or pressure cookers, or baking in casseroles deactivate lectins?
• Are dietary phytates linked with any health benefits?

12/05/2023

Toothpaste Abrasiveness

We’ve added information about the abrasiveness of several Arm & Hammer toothpastes to table covering over 50 popular toothpastes. Also see our Top Picks among toothpastes for preventing cavities, reducing sensitivity, bleeding gums, surface stains, dry mouth, and bad breath.

1/12/2024

Pricey Toothpaste for Gum Health?

Tartar Control Fluoride Toothpaste by Smileactives is promoted as “supporting healthy gums” but is it worth $36 per tube? Find out in the Preventing bleeding gums section of our article about toothpastes and other dental products, which includes our Top Picks among products for bleeding gums, preventing cavities, desensitization, dry mouth, and bad breath.

10/03/2023

Soy for Wrinkles?

Did taking soy protein with isoflavones reduce wrinkles, pigmentation, or dry skin in postmenopausal women? Find out what a recent study showed in the Soy section of our Menopause Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplements for tightening skin as well as our Top Pick collagen supplement for skin.

4/06/2024

Charcoal Soap

Are charcoal soaps safe and effective for cleaning the skin? Find out what evidence suggests in our article about soaps for dry skin.

2/13/2024

Removing Phytate and Lectins From Foods

We’ve answered the following questions about removing phytate and lectins from beans and other foods:

• Do canned beans need to be soaked or cooked to remove lectins before eating?
• Does soaking or cooking dried soybeans or edamame help remove phytate or lectins?
• Can the nutrient bioavailability of beans be improved by cooking with garlic, onions, or tomato?

6/14/2024

Is Xylitol in Toothpaste Unsafe?

Use of Xylitol was recently linked with increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death, but does xylitol in toothpaste or salivary stimulants for dry mouth pose a concern? Find out in our article about toothpastes and other dental products, which inlcudes our Top Picks.

Also, find out if intake of regular sugar has been linked with heart-related concerns.