Lifestyle Determinants on Prevention and Improvement of Dry Eye Disease from the Perspective of Iranian Traditional Medicine

BACKGROUND: Dry eye disease is one of the most common public health problems in the field of ophthalmology that causes decreased physical, psychological, social and occupational functioning, and interferes with daily activities like reading, driving, computer work and watching TV. The effect of this disease on quality of life is similar to severe migraine and angina. In addition, the severity of the disease is closely related to depression. Outbreaks are increasing with the use of contact lenses and refractive surgery such as LASIK. The purpose of this paper is to assess the causes of dry eye and its prevention by the principles of hygiene. METHODS: In this review study, traditional medicine resources like Al canon fil tibb, Sharh-al-Al Asbab and Exir-e-azam have been studied with engine motors such as Google Scholar and PubMed. RESULTS: From the perspective of Iranian traditional medicine, the principles of maintaining health include air, food and drink, exercise and rest, sleep and wakefulness, mental state, retention of essential materials and depletion of wastes from the body. Proper performance of each principle is useful for the prevention of disease in different organs, including the eyes. Recommendations for the prevention or treatment of dry eye disease include the prevention of dryness in the eye or the entire body. In addition, the stomach and brain are important to eye health. Accordingly, one of the most effective managements of dry eye disease is avoiding foods that affect the eye in this way; for example garlic and onion. CONCLUSION: Maintaining eye health is related to aspects of physical and mental health of the whole body. Therefore, codification of an integrated plan that contains eating and sleeping patterns, exercise, general clearing, eye clearing, and mental health is essential for treating dry eye disease.