Dry eye is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects millions of Canadians every day. It can leave your eyes feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable, making simple tasks like reading or using a computer more difficult. Many patients ask us if omega-3 fatty acids can help with their dry eye symptoms. Fish oil and omega-3 supplements are widely recognized for their health benefits and may help lower inflammation and support eye health, providing relief from dry eye symptoms. However, the most reliable and proven treatments for managing dry eye are medicated drops and ointments, as well as in office treatments.
What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats your body needs but can’t produce on its own. They support overall health, including brain, heart, and eye health. You can get Omega-3s from foods like salmon, sardines, herring, tuna, menhaden, cod liver, as well as plant-based sources like nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and leafy greens.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic condition that leads to dryness, irritation, redness, and discomfort, often caused by either insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation. It’s a complex condition influenced by factors such as poor tear quality, inflammation, or dysfunction in tear production.
Tears play a crucial role in eye health by keeping the eyes lubricated, flushing out debris, and protecting against infection. When tear production or quality is disrupted, the eyes can become irritated and inflamed.
What Does Omega-3 Do To The Eyes?
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, play a role in supporting eye health by maintaining the tear film, reducing inflammation, and supporting the meibomian glands—the glands in your eyelids responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears. This oil is essential because it helps slow tear evaporation, a common issue in dry eye.
Benefits of Omega-3s for Tear Stability and Inflammation
A 2023 study found that omega-3s enhanced tear production, reduced inflammation, and supported meibomian gland function—all crucial elements for maintaining tear stability. Omega-3s may also help reduce inflammation on the eye’s surface and eyelids, which can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
That said, the effects can vary from person to person, and further research is needed to fully understand the full impact of omega-3 fatty acids on eye health.
Considering Omega-3s for Dry Eye?
If you’re thinking about taking omega-3 supplements to help manage dry eye, here are a few things to keep in mind:
The Type of Omega-3
Look for supplements that contain EPA and DHA, as these are the most beneficial for dry eye. Fish oil and krill oil are excellent sources of both. Fish oil supplements come in two forms: triglycerides (TGs) and ethyl esters (EEs). However, scientific evidence supports the superiority of TGs for absorption, bioavailability, and overall efficacy.
- Natural vs. Synthetic Form: In nature, omega-3s are always in the triglyceride form, as found in whole fish. Ethyl esters are synthetic and do not exist naturally in the human food chain.
- Absorption and Bioavailability: Studies show TG omega-3s are absorbed up to 50% more efficiently than EEs. EEs require additional processing in the liver, releasing ethanol, which may contribute to oxidative stress.
- Stability and Oxidation: EE fish oils are less stable and oxidize more quickly, potentially forming harmful byproducts. TG fish oils are more resistant to oxidation, preserving their integrity and benefits.
- Clinical Evidence: Nearly all studies demonstrating omega-3 benefits involve TG-form fish oils. Research confirms higher EPA and DHA plasma levels after TG supplementation compared to EE supplementation.
While ethyl esters are cheaper and easier to produce, their compromised absorption and potential side effects make triglycerides the superior choice for maximizing omega-3 benefits.
The Dose
Some studies suggest higher doses of omega-3s may be more effective, but they can thin the blood or interact with medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially at high doses or with underlying health conditions.
The Duration
Omega-3s may take several weeks or months to show noticeable effects, so consistency is key.
Other Treatments
Omega-3s are often recommended alongside other dry eye treatments, such as eye drops, prescription medications, or in-office treatments for the best results.
What Are the Types of Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye can typically be divided into two categories:
- Evaporative Dry Eye: This occurs when the tear film evaporates too quickly due to problems with the oily layer of tears, often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. These glands produce the oil that slows tear evaporation, and when blocked or not functioning properly, tears can dry out faster.
- Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: This type happens when the tear-producing glands don’t produce enough liquid tears. Factors like hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications can contribute to reduced tear production.
Often, a combination of these two types is at play in patients suffering from dry eye, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause.
At-Home Dry Eye Treatments We Offer
Managing dry eyes involves more than just eye drops. Several at-home treatments can help improve tear production, reduce irritation, and ease discomfort:
- Medicated eye drops: Prescription or over-the-counter drops can soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and increase tear production. We can help you choose the right option and show you how to use it properly.
- Omega-3 supplements: While not a direct treatment for dry eyes, omega-3s may support overall eye health and tear production. Our optometrists can advise if adding them to your diet is appropriate.
- Eyelid sprays & masks: Warm compresses, sprays, and masks can help clear blockages in the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tears that slows tear evaporation and improves symptoms.
In-Office Dry Eye Treatments We Offer
Sometimes, at-home treatments may not be sufficient, and professional treatments become necessary. At View Eye Care, we provide advanced, in-office treatment options to effectively target dry eye symptoms:
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy: IPL therapy uses specific light pulses to reduce inflammation, target abnormal blood vessels, and treat meibomian gland dysfunction that contributes to evaporative dry eye.
- Radiofrequency therapy: Cynosure TempSure radiofrequency gently heats the eyelids to liquify oils in the meibomian glands, improving their function and reducing inflammation. Like IPL, TempSure helps the glands work better, leading to improved tear quality and reduced dry eye symptoms.
- ZEST treatments: A plant-based treatment that gently cleans the lids and lashes to eliminate Demodex mites and their byproducts, reducing eyelid redness, supporting a healthier tear film, and easing the appearance of irritated eyes.
- Blepharitis treatment: Our treatment options for blepharitis include lid scrubs with specialized cleansers to remove debris, bacteria, and mites; medications like antibiotics to reduce inflammation; and eyelid debridement to clear stubborn blockages and improve gland function.
- Meibomian gland expression: This procedure uses gentle pressure with a specialized tool to clear blocked glands, improve oil flow into tears, and treat meibomian gland dysfunction.
Each treatment is tailored to address the specific type of dry eye a patient is facing, ensuring a personalized and effective approach.
Effective Dry Eye Therapy in Toronto
While omega-3s alone aren’t a guaranteed cure for dry eye, they could be helpful as part of a bigger treatment plan. If you are struggling with persistent dryness, discomfort, or irritation, schedule an appointment at our Toronto clinic today to learn how we can help! There are numerous therapies—both at home and in the clinic—that can significantly improve your symptoms. Whether through eye drops, advanced therapies, or lifestyle changes, there are options available to help you see—and feel—better.
