Research suggests that taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement can reduce symptoms of dry eyes. Fresh tears spread across your eyes each time you blink. They’re essential for lubricating the eyes so you can see clearly and clearing away debris.
Dry eyes can occur if there are not enough tears or if the tears lack the right balance of water, oil, and mucus to spread evenly without evaporating too quickly.
To maintain eye comfort and good vision, the front surface of your eye must be covered with an even layer of tears that contain the right mix of water and oils. If tears are not of sufficient quantity or quality to maintain that layer, dry eye disease (also called ocular surface disease) can develop.
Symptoms of dry eyes can be bothersome and may include a stinging, itchy, or burning sensation, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, mucus in or around your eye, and excessive tearing. Dry eye disease tends to be a chronic condition, and it usually cannot be cured completely.
However, various treatments, including over-the-counter artificial tear eye drops, can ease symptoms.
In recent years, fish oil has been suggested as a remedy for dry eyes. Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to provide a wide range of health benefits. Due to these potential benefits, fish oil has become a popular dietary supplement.
Research studies looking into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements have found fewer dry eye symptoms in people who take the supplement. It appears that omega-3 fatty acids can improve the eye’s oil film. Oil is produced by small glands on the edge of the eyelid called the meibomian glands. That improves dry eye symptoms and reduces the need for artificial tears.
The dose of omega-3 fatty acid in the research studies included 180 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid, taken twice daily. Few side effects were noted at this level.
Of course, you can get fish oil in your diet from eating fish, too. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults eat fish at least twice weekly. Fatty fish, such as catfish, halibut, salmon, striped sea bass, and albacore tuna, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids but avoid fried fish.
Does Fish Oil Help with Dry Eyes
Fish oil is made by extracting two types of omega-3 fatty acids from the skin of oily fish like mackerel or salmon. These omega-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are vital for several bodily functions. DHA and EPA are part of every cell in the human body. They’re also the building blocks of critical chemical regulators.
Omega-3s may help improve the eye’s oil production for tears and reduce inflammation around the eye. Top of Form
Fish oil vs. flaxseed oil
Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids is generally good for your health, including lowering your chance of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. But it’s important to note that not all omega-3s are equal.
You can also find these fatty acids in foods like walnuts, flax, and chia seeds. However, while foods like flax seeds contain omega-3s, they’re a different kind called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
The body can convert ALA into the needed EPA and DHA, but this process is inefficient: Less than 15% of ALA makes the conversion.
This means getting a decent amount of EPA and DHA from a marine rather than a plant source is much easier. Notably, people who don’t consume fish may turn to algae-based alternatives.
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