The tear film is the clear liquid that coats the outer tissues of your eye. Tears nourish the tissues and also protect the surface of your eye from foreign bodies. If you do not have the right amount of tear film you may experience dry eye, a condition that could lead to tissue damage and vision changes if not addressed. Some people may find that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce some of the symptoms associated with dry eye.
Symptoms
Dry eye often results in burning, stinging or a foreign body sensation. Some people have excessive watering as a part of the body's response to the dryness, but these excessive tears tend to wash out any of the nourishing tear film on the eye's surface, exacerbating discomfort. You may have inflammation of the tissues on your eye's surface, resulting in redness and, in some cases, swelling around the margins of the eyelids.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids have many roles throughout the body, but this nutrient may also help reduce inflammation, including the inflammation associated with dry eye. Your doctor will evaluate your condition, and if she feels that omega-3 could help ease your discomfort and swelling, she will tell you how much to take each day.
Sources
If you need a specific amount of omega-3 each day, your doctor will likely recommend that you take flaxseed oil or fish oil. These supplements come in liquid or capsule form. You can also discuss obtaining omega-3 through your diet by eating foods such as salmon, mackerel, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
Treatment
Omega-3 will not offer prompt relief of dry eye symptoms but may gradually ease discomfort over a period of time. To relieve symptoms, you may need to use a non-medicated eye drop called artificial tears. These drops add moisture to the surface of your eye, offering lubrication and relieving irritation. If these drops do not work, your doctor may recommend a prescription medication to help stimulate tear production, or she may recommend a surgical procedure to block your tear ducts and prevent the tears from draining.
Considerations
You should not take omega-3 oil supplements unless directed by your doctor. This supplement could increase your risk for bleeding, and if you have a blood disorder or take anti-coagulant medications, this could increase your risk further.
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