Dry eyes occur when the tear film is inadequate to effectively moisturize the cornea. This condition may occur because of problems with the actual tear film or with the eyelids. The condition causes redness, itching and burning of the eyes, the American Optometric Association states. Dry eyes are more common in people over age 65 due to a decrease in oil production in the body, which leads to a quicker evaporation of tears from the eye. Omega-3 fatty acids like those found in salmon, sardines and halibut have been found to reduce the risk of dry eyes and help with the treatment. Omega-3 may impact this condition in several ways.
Reducing Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the body, including the eye, All About Vision states. The eyelids are often irritated and inflamed in patients with dry-eye symptoms. This inflammation can lead to a decrease in tear-film production. These fatty acids can increase the amounts of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins in the eye and decrease inflammation, Dr. Jeffrey P. Gilbard reports in "Ophthalmology Management." As a result, the eyelids become less inflamed and better able to produce tears.
Stimulating Tear Production
Omega-3 fatty acids may also help stimulate tear production. The lacrimal gland -- which is located above the eye -- contributes to the tear production of the eye. As another function of improving inflammation in the eye, omega-3 fatty acids lead to the reduction of substances that decrease tear production in the lacrimal gland, according to Dr. Gilbard.
Changes in Cells in the Eyelids
According to the American Optometric Association, tears consist of three layers -- the water layer, the oily layer and the mucus layer. Meibomian glands are cells in the eyelids that produce the oily layer of the tear film, according to The Eye Digest. The oily portion of the tears helps keep the tears from evaporating too quickly from the eye, as noted by the American Optometric Association. Omega-3 fatty acids improve the function of this oil glands, which in turn helps improve the quality of the oily portion of the tear layer. Better tears can lessen the symptoms of dry eye.
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