Theralife Vs. Fish Oil

Theralife eye products, which are natural mixtures of herbs, minerals and vitamins, and fish oil might have similar benefits for dry eyes, such as improving inflammation, blood circulation and strengthening cell membranes to help restore moisture in your eyes. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have been independently investigated as a potential remedy for dry eyes, according to a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. As with any supplement, consult your doctor before taking Theralife or fish oil.

Dry Eye Syndrome

According to MayoClinic.com, uncomfortable, dry eyes can occur for several reasons. People with dry eyes often produce an inadequate amount of tears -- medically termed keratoconjunctivitis sicca -- or produce poor quality tears. Those older than age 50, postmenopausal women and people with tear gland problems might develop dry eye syndrome.

Theralife

According to the Theralife website, Theralife contains nutrients, phytochemicals and herb extracts such as vitamins C and E, zinc, L-carotene and bilberry, which stimulate tear secretion glands to restore normal levels of tear thickness and volume, to benefit dry eyes. In addition, Theralife, according to its website, increases intracellular metabolism, membrane permeability and blood circulation as well as decreasing inflammation.

Fish Oil

The essential omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil might benefit dry eye by reducing inflammation activities in the body, and by possibly altering the lipid profiles of the meibomian glands, or oil-secreting glands, states ophthalmology professor Dr. James McCulley on the website for the News Magazine of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Sufficient evidence supports the beneficial effects of fish oil on the circulatory system, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. In addition, fish oil might help boost the immune system to help support cell membrane function and keep your eye cells healthy.

Evidence

The Theralife website reports that Theralife has clinically proven results that demonstrate improved tear production in 86 percent of dry eye patients. An investigation regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on dry eye syndrome, conducted by a team led by Biljana Miljanovic, was published in the October 2005 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers observed the dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids on dry eye in 39,876 females, and determined that a higher dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids might be associated with a decreased risk of dry eye syndrome in women. However, additional scientific studies are needed to conclusively support the use of Theralife or the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil to treat dry eye syndrome.

Considerations

Theralife and fish oil may cause several side effects. According to the Theralife website, Theralife can result in mostly short-lived side effects including discolored urine, gas or bloating, increased thirst, frequent bowel movements and a slight weight loss. MayoClinic.com reports that while low doses are considered safe, high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, as in fish oil, might increase the risk of bleeding and stroke. Consult your doctor before using Theralife or fish oil to treat any medical condition.