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Renee Bovelle, MD
Can Omega 3 Help Your Dry Eye?
Envision Eye & Laser Center
. http://www.envisioneyeandlaser.com

Can Omega 3 Help Your Dry Eye?

Nutritional supplements as a preventative measure are becoming increasingly important in ocular health. Major universities and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continue to research the benefits of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids. Poor nutrition and free radicals contribute to cell damage in the eyes and throughout the entire body. Free radicals are unstable byproducts of oxygen metabolism. The omega 3 fatty acids blunt the harmful effects of inflammation in the body.

Dysfunctional tear syndrome, also called dry eye, affects over 20 million people in the United States. The incidence increases with age, hormonal changes, autoimmune disease, computer and contact lens use.

It can cause symptoms from occasional discomfort to severe impairment of vision. Studies have found that certain combinations of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids tend to decrease inflammation caused by dry eye and improve tear gland secretions.

Supplements or dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids (such as tuna fish, walnuts, and flaxseed) may decrease symptoms of irritation in some patients with dry eye. Omega-3 oils appear to improve function in the eye's Meibomian glands, which produce the oily part of tears. Improved function of those glands can ease dry eye symptoms.

A study of more than 32,000 women in 2005 found those who consumed the most omega-3 fats from fish had a 17% lower risk of dry eye, compared with women who ate little or no seafood. A more recent study in the International Journal of Ophthalmology concluded omega-3 fatty acids “have a definite role for dry eye syndrome.” Other studies have produced similar results with flaxseed oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids seem like a cure-all for just about anything these days. They promote better heart health, reduce inflammation, provide more lustrous hair and skin, and even promote better mood. Now new research suggests that omega-3s may even be beneficial for dry eye patients.

Talk to your ophthalmologist to find out whether omega-3 supplements are right for you.

Information obtained from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, www.aao.org. Excerpts from article by Celia Vimont which was reviewed by Rebecca J. Taylor, MD.

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