Omega-3 Oils for Dry Eye?

Did you know? A new study published in the February 2008 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology showed that applying omega-3 fatty acids to the surface of the eyes of laboratory mice protected them from the effects of dry conditions. Eyedrops containing two compounds, alpha-linoleic acid, and linoleic acid, a mixture of the two, as well as a drop containing neither compound, and no treatment, were compared. The mice receiving the alpha-linoleic acid had less dryness and inflammation compared to the other groups.

Did you also know? Many ophthalmologists recommend taking fish oil or flaxseed oil to improve dry eye, including the dry eye which can sometimes occur after Lasik surgery (though I would like to see more well-designed studies proving their benefit). This, however, is the first study I have seen suggesting that a drop containing the oils may prove beneficial.