Set your sights on healthy fats that can help protect your eyes.

Getting adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may help ward off irritating dry eye syndrome, a condition that causes decreased tear production and can damage eyes. Look to salmon, chunk light tuna, flaxseeds, and walnuts to boost your omega-3 intake and help keep your peepers in top form.

People produce fewer tears as they age, so increased age is a risk factor for dry eye syndrome. In addition to eye irritation, people with the condition also may be sensitive to bright lights. In a recent study of women aged 45 to 84 years old, researchers discovered that women whose intake of omega-6 fatty acids was much greater than their intake of omega-3 fatty acids were at an increased risk of suffering from dry eye syndrome. Omega-6s are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in meat, refined grains, and eggs. Reducing your intake of omega-6s while increasing consumption of omega-3-rich oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts could help you achieve a healthy fatty acid balance and may help reduce your risk of dry eye syndrome, depression, and other conditions.