Learn why virgin coconut oil is effective for dry eyes. Check out the article we found over at Health Impact News.
by Brian Shilhavy
Health Impact News EditorA recent study out of Malaysia shows that virgin coconut oil may function better than commercial “artificial tears” products in rewetting dry eyes. The title of the study is A Pilot Study: The Efficacy of Virgin Coconut Oil as Ocular Rewetting Agent on Rabbit Eyes and was published in the journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, February, 2015.
Some excerpts from the study:
Dry eye is multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. It is accompanied by an increased osmolality of the tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface.
Tear volume is essential for many functions in maintaining the overall ocular health hence giving clarity vision. Dryness of the eye will have a major impact on the ocular health and visual clarity especially in contact lens wearers.
A study in the literature showed the liposomal spray which was applied to the closed eye had increased the thickness of the lipid layer and improved tear film stability significantly. This brought an idea of usage of oil able to act as supplement for the tear film.
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is obtained from the fresh, mature kernel of the coconut. VCO is emerging functional food oils due to its ability to possess several biological activities such as antiviral and antimicrobial. Current findings revealed that virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been used extensively as supplement in many medical treatments. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and soothing. In addition, virgin coconut oil is also composed mainly of medium-chain triglycerides, which may not carry the same risks as other saturated fats.
A new horizon in discovery of the benefits of VCO has been emphasized in most systemic diseases either in curing or in treating at the same time. But none has been explored on its effects on ocular health. The possibility of using VCO as one of the remedies for dry eyes should be looked into for its efficacy and effects on short and long term basis.
In this study, three rewetting agents will be used: virgin coconut oil (VCO) which is oil-based tears, Tears Naturale II which is readily available commercially which contains HMC (hydroxymethylcelluose), and saline for control. The general aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VCO as ocular rewetting agent on rabbit eyes.
Next Article: The Health Benefits We Can Get From Coconut Oil
Read full article: Study: Virgin Coconut Oil Effective Rewetting Agent for Dry Eyes
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