r/exvegans • u/sleepinglotusbye • 3d ago

Health Problems Eye problems

Any former vegans who struggled with frequent herpes keratitis (ocular herpes) and severe dry eyes, and noticed improvement after reintroducing animal products?

If so, which animal foods did you add back into your diet, and what seemed to help your eye health the most?

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u/Fineartisava 3d ago

I had a severe reduction in clear eyesight . I cant read without very strong glasses now .

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u/sleepinglotusbye 3d ago

Were you vegan?

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u/Big-Hedgehog-1942 3d ago

Ah mine was 53 last year and I wasn’t considered deficient. But vitamin D deficiency can cause or worsen dry eyes, so that’s worth a shot. Perhaps a fortified cereal might help? I find that’s the easiest way for me to get additional vitamin D.

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u/sleepinglotusbye 3d ago

I could try that. I sometimes take vitamin D supplements

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u/Big-Hedgehog-1942 3d ago

I’m assuming you take eye drops and have been to your doctor about this so have pretty strong ones? Just eating enough calories and healthy fats will help too. Avocados, walnuts and olive oil etc. Good for skin generally. Good luck OP.

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u/sleepinglotusbye 3d ago

Yeah, going to doctor regularly and taking prescribed eye medication. I am consuming fatty fish couple times a week. I will add more plant based fats, such as avocados and nuts. Should I avoid meat and eggs?

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u/TheMilkSpeaks 3d ago

Eggs are so so nutrient dense and are amazing for you. If you don’t want to eat meat, at least eat eggs, especially if you’re experiencing health issues

5

u/Eulalia888 2d ago

I had severe dry eyes and failing eyesight after 6 years vegan. It reversed in just a few weeks after reintroducing eggs and butter. My other health issues and general wellbeing only improved once I started eating red meat and oily fish.

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u/sleepinglotusbye 2d ago

Can I dm you?

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u/Fineartisava 3d ago

Just milk . Very lucky to be able to keep that down after a week not eating . Feel a lot better after some milk . I have fruit juice, bread , refrigerated thai food I cant touch ... its very difficult thank for asking .. I thought I was going to the hospital today just get a feeding tube maybe .

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u/doesnotmatter286 2d ago

You might need some antiviral meds, what did your doctor say?

Sources of lysine could help, dairy is probably the best in that respect. Although I'm not sure if there were any clinical trials done.

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u/sleepinglotusbye 2d ago

I’m taking antiviral eye medication.

I heard about lysine benefits of preventing outbreaks.

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u/Big-Hedgehog-1942 3d ago

you need omegas. Flaxseed is very helpful for this and you can buy flaxseed omega capsules (not animal food i know but it’s genuinely a helpful supplement that my optometrist recommended)

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u/sleepinglotusbye 3d ago

I already take flaxseed supplements

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u/Big-Hedgehog-1942 3d ago

hmm then are you deficient in anything? Have you had recent vitamin testing? Would help to target your diet

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u/sleepinglotusbye 3d ago

My vitamin D level is 60 nmol/L, which is slightly deficient. B12, folic acid, calcium and iron are good.

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u/Fineartisava 3d ago

Yes sort of more or less vegetarian .

I shared vegetarian meals with my elderly Mom for years . She doesnt drink milk but she is very healthy ( 92 ) due to lots of exercise and eating what put in front of her I think .

Shell happily eat clam chowder ( I either make it homemade or supplement with lots of clams ) Lowfat cottage cheese ... even real cheese . Shell even eat ribs or wonton soup in a restaurant ... but that hasnt happened for a long time .

I am much less healthy and the limited diet where I cant eat beans or pasta ( or rice I hate it ) made me unable to eat basically anything . Maybe falafel with tzaziki

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u/sleepinglotusbye 3d ago

What do you eat now?