Study: Triglyceride omega-3 improves dry eye signs

SAN DIEGO —Triglyceride omega-3 supplementation improved signs of dry eye disease as shown by objective measures, according to a study.

Speaking at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting, Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, reported results of a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 105 patients given 2,240 mg triglyceride omega-3 or placebo over 12 weeks.

“We had MMP-9, omega-3 index score and tear osmolarity, all of which provide an objective numerical result in addition to the clinical exam,” Donnenfeld said.

Tear osmolarity was reduced by a mean of 19 mOsm in the triglyceride omega-3 group, from 326 mOsm at baseline to 307 mOsm at week 12.

“At week 6, there was already a statistically significant difference and at week 12, [the difference] deepened to a P value of .004 between placebo and the triglyceride omega-3,” Donnenfeld said.

MMP-9 measurements were significantly different by week 12, and Ocular Surface Disease Index symptoms reduced from 32 at baseline to 15 at week 12 in the triglyceride omega-3 group (P = .002).

Tear breakup time increased from 4.78 seconds at baseline to 8.25 seconds at week 12 (P = .002).

In the omega-3 index, the omega level in the plasma increased from 4.19 at baseline and increased to 7.19 at week 12 (P < .001).

“This study demonstrated the importance of using a triglyceride,” Donnenfeld said. “We used the PRN omega-3 supplementation, and it significantly improved osmolarity, tear breakup time, OSDI and increased the omega-3 index.” – by Kristie L. Kahl

Disclosure: Donnenfeld reports he is a consultant for PRN.