Can Omega-3 Help for Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)?

Why Omega-3 helps Treat Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)?

Omega-3 fatty acids help treat dry eye syndrome because they have anti-inflammatory properties that help lower inflammation on the surface of the eye. This helps relieve dry eye symptoms and prevents the overproduction of tears.

In addition, omega-3 reinforces the eye’s fatty oil layer that produces tears. This helps keep the eye lubricated and protects it from damage that may result from inflammation or scratches.

Omega-3 fatty acids also help prevent dry eye syndrome because they restore tear gland functionality and help regulate tear production and prevent tear evaporation. They help keep the eyes hydrated and help prevent vision loss.

How Omega-3 works for Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

Omega-3 is a healthy polyunsaturated fat that consists of three main types of fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

These omega-3 fatty acids work to treat or prevent dry eye syndrome by reducing the level of inflammation in the eye. DHA is metabolized into neuroprotection D1 (NPD1), an anti-inflammatory molecule that helps reduce inflammation and neutralizes free radicals in the eye. Thus, ALA, EPA, and DHA keep the eye healthy, and by lowering inflammation, they help the eyes tear glands function properly.

Omega-3 fatty acids keep the eye hydrated and protect it from surface damage. It does so by preserving the eye’s oil film. The eye’s fatty oil layer that produces tears is made of fatty lipids, and omega-3’s are fats. Therefore, consuming foods rich in omega-3 helps reinforce the oil film and prevent it from thinning out. The oil layer also helps the eyelids glide smoothly over the eye.

In addition, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA help prevent dry eye syndrome by unblocking the eye’s oil glands (also called meibomian glands) and allowing them to secrete meibum, the oily component of tears. This keeps the eye lubricated and reduces tear evaporation.

Omega-3 dose for Dry Eye Syndrome (DES): How much to Take

There’s no official dosage of omega-3 for dry eye syndrome (DES).

Some ophthalmologists might recommend taking a daily dose between 2,000-3,000 mg of EPA and DHA combined. Others might recommend taking between 1000-1500 mg of EPA and DHA combined. This also depends on the condition and the type of supplement prescribed.

When prescribing omega-3 supplements, some ophthalmologists might also recommend taking additional omega-6 supplements in combination with omega-3.

Accordingly, they might recommend an omega-3-6-9 supplement at a ratio of 2:1:1. However, this depends on your diet. If your diet is rich in omega-6 and omega-9, you do not need to take omega-6 and omega-9 supplements.

As a general guideline, the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that men take 1.6 grams of omega-3, while women take 1.1 grams of omega-3 per day if they are above the age of 18.

Always consult a doctor or healthcare expert to make sure you are taking a balanced ratio of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9.

Omega-3 for Dry Eye Syndrome (DES): Precautions

If you want to use omega-3 supplements to treat dry eye syndrome (DES), you should consider the following precautions:

1- People with certain medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking omega supplements.

- Diabetes: consuming excessive omega-3 fats may lower blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for their condition.

- A seizure disorder: consuming excessive omega-6 fats such as GLA may cause seizures in people who have a seizure disorder.

- Allergies: people who have allergies should take precautions before taking omega fatty acid supplements.

Many omega supplements come from fish sources, and people who are allergic to fish cannot take these supplements. Some supplements may also contain peanut and soy, which are also common allergens.

2- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Consuming excessive omega-6 fats may cause pregnant women to have pregnancy complications such as early labor and contribute to the poor development of the fetus.

Pregnant women should also avoid omega-3 because it affects their blood clotting abilities and increases the risk of bleeding. Also, some omega-3 supplements like cod liver oil contain vitamin A, which might be harmful to the fetus.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid omega-3 fish oil supplements that come from fish that contain high amounts of mercury, such as mackerel, swordfish, or tilefish because mercury may harm the baby.

3- Interaction with other Medications

Omega fats may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking omega fatty acids supplements if you take the following medication:

- Anticoagulant medication: Omega fats can interfere with blood-thinning medication. Consuming excessive amounts of omega fats can cause blood thinning or excessive bleeding.

- Blood pressure medication: consuming excessive amounts of omega fats may lower blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medication.

4- Excessive Amounts of Omega-6

There are concerns about taking excessive amounts of omega-6 fats because it may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Do not take more than 3000 mg of the omega-6 fatty acid GLA per day because exceeding this dose might increase inflammation in the body.

There are conflicting opinions on omega-6 and its proinflammatory properties. If you want to know whether omega-6 increases inflammation in the body, check out omega-6 in our “Debatable Topics” section. 

5- Vitamin A Toxicity

If you are taking omega-3 supplements, always check the amount of vitamin A. Some omega-3 supplements may contain very high amounts of vitamin A, which may cause vitamin A toxicity.

People should also avoid cod liver oil because it contains a high amount of vitamin A. They can substitute it with other omega-3 supplements that aren’t high in vitamin A like fish or krill oil.

Omega-3 for Dry Eye Syndrome (DES): Side Effects

Taking omega fatty acids for dry eye syndrome (DES) may cause unwanted side effects. Consult with your doctor if any of the following side effects appear.

Omega-3 side effects

If you take omega-3, you may experience an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, low blood pressure, high blood sugar, diarrhea, headaches, and smelly sweat.

Omega-6 side effects

If you take omega-6, you may experience headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Omega-6 might also lower your blood pressure.

Omega-9 side effects

There are no known side effects to consuming omega-9 fats.

Side effects of the Omega-3-6-9 supplement

If you take an Omega-3-6-9 supplement you may experience the following side effects: burping, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and heartburn, loss of taste, skin rash, hives, itching, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and nosebleeds.