A functional medicine approach to the dry eye patient

I have treated countless patients with dry eye syndrome (DES). It can be disruptive and significantly decrease quality of life. Patients often complain of red eyes that burn and sting, a feeling of sand in the eyes, itching, pain, and blurry vision. Blurry vision, along with vision that fluctuates throughout the day, or temporarily improves with blinking, is a common complaint. Symptoms tend to worsen as the day goes on, and with prolonged computer use or reading. Patients can feel they are…