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 A recent study from the University of Turku in Finland investigated the effects of oral sea buckthorn oil for people with dry eyes.
Sea buckthorn is a plant that grows throughout Europe and Asia. The plant's orange fruit and the oil from its pulp and seeds have been used traditionally for skin conditions, coughing and digestive disorders.
Researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized, parallel trial of 100 men and women ages 20-75 with dry eye symptoms. Subjects were randomly assigned to take either two grams of sea buckthorn oil or placebo oil daily for three months during the fall to winter seasons. Clinical dry eye tests and symptom checks were evaluated during this time. Eighty-six people completed the trial.
Outcomes of these tests showed that participants taking sea buckthorn oil had improved dry eye symptoms, such as redness and burning, and also had greater eye moisture compared to the placebo group. Although the results are promising, additional research is needed before conclusions can be made.
There are several other integrative therapies that have been studied for dry eyes. For instance, strong evidence supports the use of vitamin A for people with dry eyes due to prolonged vitamin A deficiency. Over-the-counter lubricant eye drops or ointments are also available.
For more information about dry eyes, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.
- Larmo PS, Järvinen RL, Setälä NL, et al. Oral Sea Buckthorn Oil Attenuates Tear Film Osmolarity and Symptoms in Individuals with Dry Eye. J Nutr. 2010 Jun 16. View Abstract
- Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
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