This Bizarre Treatment Could Be More Beneficial For Dry Eyes Than Drops

Dry eye disease affects more than 360 million people globally, often causing persistent redness, itchiness, and irritation that can worsen with stress. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, certain medical and environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices, such as prolonged exposure to screens. While artificial tears have long been the go-to remedy, researchers from China and the UK have come up with a rather unusual solution—laughter.

Before we discuss how laughter therapy benefits eye health, it is important to know that laughing itself involves a range of muscles, including facial muscles like the zygomaticus major and orbicularis oculi, as well as trunk muscles like the diaphragm, chest, and abdominal muscles.

Laughing As A Home-Based Solution For Dry Eyes

In the study published in The BMJ, scientists proposed that laughter exercises could be a promising home-based solution for those suffering from symptomatic dry eye disease. The condition, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and vision complications, often requires long-term care.

"Laughter exercise, being safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective, could serve as a first-line treatment for managing dry eye symptoms at home," the researchers noted. Their interest in this unconventional approach was sparked by prior evidence linking laughter therapy to reduced depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Laughter has also been shown to lower stress hormones, activate immune cells, and increase antibodies that help fight infections.

What Do We Know About The Study?

For the study, 283 individuals with dry eye disease were divided into two groups. One group was assigned laughter exercises, which involved watching an instructional video and repeating playful vocalizations like "Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek" for five minutes, four times a day. The second group used 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops with the same frequency. Both groups used a mobile app to monitor adherence and facial movement or drop usage.

After eight weeks of treatment, researchers observed improvements in both groups. However, those in the laughter exercise group showed additional mental health benefits and certain improvements in eye function. Follow-up assessments at 10 and 12 weeks suggested the effects of laughter persisted even after stopping the exercises.

"Laughter exercise might relieve dry eye disease not just directly, but by promoting a lasting positive impact on lifestyle," the researchers said. Still, the study has its limitations. Participants were aware of the treatment they were receiving, which may introduce bias. Additionally, the laughter routine was more time-intensive compared to the ease of using eye drops. The team recommends further studies to determine the optimal duration and frequency of laughter exercises for effective treatment. While more research is needed, the findings hint that a good laugh could be more than just a mood booster—it might also be a natural remedy for your eyes.

Meanwhile, here are a few tips for you to prevent dry eyes:

• Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in indoor air.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield eyes from wind and dust.
• Take frequent breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.
• Ensure adequate hydration by drinking enough water daily.
• Avoid environmental triggers like smoke, dry air, and wind to minimize irritation.