By: Jeffrey Anshel, OD
November 01, 2006
A: Omega-6, DHA, EPA
Jeffrey Anshel, OD: I do not treat dry eyes with omega-3 supplementation. I use a combination of omega-6 and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) fish oils. While omega-6 fatty acids have been given a bad rap in the press, it is necessary for proper mucous tissue maintenance.
It is true that the typical American diet is overloaded with omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) from vegetable oils, which are added to nearly all processed foods. Many pantries are far too full of overly processed crackers, chips, cookies and cakes and the omega-6 oils that oxidize too quickly and become pro-inflammatories.
However, good health also depends on omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is a metabolite of omega-6 linoleic acid and is found in sources such as black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil. This compound is a necessary component in the metabolism of omega-6 fatty acid to the series one anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE1s), which are associated with healthy mucosal tissue and healthy tear film.
Omega-6 fatty acids that are successfully metabolized or those that have the metabolic advantage of containing GLA reduce inflammation after further metabolizing to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which also blocks, when appropriate, the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid conversion.
I most often recommend BioTears (Biosyntrx Inc., Lexington, S.C.) for dry eye patients. Just two gel caps twice daily provides the balance of omega-3 EPA, DHA and omega-6 GLA, along with the specific nutrient co-factors vital for optimal metabolism to the type of anti-inflammatory that affects the ocular surface tissue.
BioTears includes a natural COX-2 inhibitor to further control the inflammation associated with dry eyes. BioTears contain lactoferrin, an iron binding protein that inhibits viral and bacterial growth on the ocular surface.
