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Effect of Oral Re-esterified Omega-3 Nutritional Supplementation on Dry Eyes
Alice T Epitropoulos1, Eric D Donnenfeld, Zubin A Shah
1*Ophthalmic Surgeons & Consultants of Ohio, The Eye Center of Columbus; and Department of Ophthalmology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus OH; †Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, Long Island, NY; ‡PRN Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA; §Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati, OH; ¶Matossian Eye Associates, Pennington, NJ; ‖Associated Eye Care, Stillwater, MN; **Toyos Clinic, Nashville, TN; and ††Bucci Laser Vision Institute, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Oral re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids significantly improved dry eye symptoms and ocular surface health. This study found benefits in tear osmolarity, tear break-up time, and reduced inflammation markers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
- Dry Eye Disease Research
Background:
- Dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) are prevalent ocular surface conditions.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are investigated for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits in DED management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of oral re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids in improving ocular surface parameters in patients with DED and MGD.
- To assess the impact on tear osmolarity, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tear break-up time (TBUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), corneal staining, Schirmer score, MGD stage, and omega-3 index.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked study.
- Participants received either oral omega-3 fatty acids (1680 mg EPA/560 mg DHA) or a linoleic acid control daily for 12 weeks.
- Ocular surface parameters, MMP-9 levels, and omega-3 index were measured at baseline and follow-up visits.
Main Results:
- Omega-3 supplementation led to a statistically significant reduction in tear osmolarity at weeks 6 and 12 compared to placebo.
- Significant improvements were observed in omega-3 index levels, TBUT, MMP-9 positivity, and OSDI scores in the omega-3 group.
- No significant changes were noted in fluorescein corneal staining or Schirmer scores.
Conclusions:
- Oral re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids demonstrate significant therapeutic benefits for patients suffering from dry eye disease and MGD.
- The findings support the use of omega-3 fatty acids in managing DED by improving ocular surface hydration, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms.
