Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. — Written by Sonia Pearson
July 6, 2020

Common treatments for dry eyes include over-the-counter eye drops and anti-inflammatory drugs. But some people turn to alternative remedies like fish oil for relief.

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for healthy eye development, and feature several other benefits. Keep reading to learn how fish oil can help treat your dry eyes.

Fish oil for dry eyes

Fresh tears spread across your eyes each time you blink. They’re essential to lubricating the eyes so you can see clearly. They also help clear away debris.

Dry eyes can occur if you don’t have enough tears, or the tears lack the right balance of water, oil, and mucus to spread evenly without evaporating too quickly.

Dry eyes can burn, sting, or feel scratchy or irritated. They can result in blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and eventually damage to the eye. The causes can include age, inflammation, diabetes, and certain medications.

So how can fish oil help?

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 called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are important for several functions in the body. DHA and EPA are part of every cell in the human body. They’re also the building blocks of important chemical regulators.

These omega-3s may help improve the eye’s production of oil for tears while also reducing inflammation around the eye.

Best fish oil for dry eyes

When you hear the term “fish oil,” you might picture a little yellow gel capsule or liquid available over the counter at most drugstores.

Supplements are certainly one way to add fish oil to your diet. Yet some researchers believe that food should be your main source for omega-3 fatty acids. You can get them by eating fatty fish like salmon, albacore tuna, and mackerel.

The American Heart Association recommends getting at least two servings of fish per week. If you eat fish on a weekly basis, you probably get enough fish oil in your diet. Getting a steady amount of omega-3 fatty acids is the important thing.

You can also find these fatty acids in other foods like walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds.