Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, which has been found to reduce a number of health risks, including the risk of heart disease. Research on treating dry eye syndrome with fish shows that omega-3 fatty acids can also help to relieve dry eye syndrome. Fish oils do not make the eyes excessively oily, but may improve normal meibomian oil gland production, which can cause dry eye syndrome. Decreased tear production and eyelid problems can also cause dry eye syndrome. Ask your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements.
Causes
A problem with meibomian oil gland secretion affects the ability of tears to stay on the surface of the eye. The meibomian glands, located at the edge of the eyelids, secrete oils onto the surface of the eye. If the Meibomian glands become clogged, oil doesn't reach the surface. Since the oil prevents evaporation of the tears, the eyes become dry. People with medical conditions that cause inflammation along the eyelids, such as blepharitis, rosacea or other skin conditions, may develop meibomian gland dysfunction, the Mayo Clinic explains.
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Dry eye develops because of inflammation in 10 to 15 percent of cases, James P. McCulley, M.D., of UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas states. But once dry eye develops, no matter what the cause, inflammation becomes an ongoing part of the problem, he also reports. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation that can occur as part of ocular disease by generating prostaglandins that reduce inflammation.
Type of Fish Oil
Fish oil can be taken in supplements or obtained from food. A study reported in the October 2005 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Schepens Eye Research Institute, both in Boston, found that women with a diet higher in omega-3 fatty acids had lower risk of dry eye syndrome. Dietary sources include cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or lake trout. Supplement doses of up to 3,000 to 4,000 mg a day for up to three months may be necessary for results to be seen, the Southern California School of Optometry reports. Do not take this much fish oil without the approval of your medical practitioners.
Caveats
Taking fish oil in supplements can have undesirable side effects. Most commonly, fish oil supplements can cause an unpleasant fishy taste when burping. People who take blood-thinning medications or who have problems with blood clotting should not take fish oil without talking to their medical practitioner first. Fish oil can thin the blood and increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Because of the potential risk of mercury or other heavy metal contamination in fish, buy fish oil supplements only from companies that address this issue in their labeling.
References
- All About Vision: Flaxseed and Fish Oil to Relieve Dry Eye
- Southern California School of Optometry: Dry Eye Syndrome
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition:" Relation Between Dietary n--3 and n--6 Fatty Acids and Clinically Diagnosed Dry Eye Syndrome in Women; Biljana Miljanovic; October 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Dry Eye Syndrome
- EyeWorld: Omega-3 Acids Thought to Benefit Dry Eye
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