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Oral re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids improve tear osmolarity, dry eye symptoms
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Tear osmolarity, omega-3 index levels, ocular surface disease index symptom scores, tear break-up time and matrix metalloproteinase-9 improved in patients with dry eye disease who consumed re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids, according to a study.
The multicenter, prospective, interventional, placebo-controlled, double-masked study included 54 patients randomized to receive four soft gels of 1,680 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid/560 mg of docosahexaenoic acid, and 51 patients who received 3,136 mg of linoleic acid, the control supplement. Patients took the supplements daily for 12 weeks.
At the 12-week follow-up, mean reduction in tear film osmolarity from baseline in the omega-3 group was 19.4 mOsm/L vs. a mean reduction of 8.3 mOsm/L in the control group (P = .004). Baseline values between the groups were similar.
Secondary objective measurements demonstrated statistically significantly better improvement in omega-3 index scores and TBUT in patients taking the supplement than in the controls, and MMP-9 positivity was reduced more in patients taking the supplement.
“The results from this study demonstrated a significant improvement in dry eye signs and symptoms from baseline with the oral ingestion of re-esterified omega-3 supplements for 12 weeks compared with those taking a control. The improvement of many of the signs was seen as early as 6 weeks, suggesting a rapid response to nutritional therapy,” the researchers wrote. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: Epitropoulos reports she has received compensation from PRN Physician Recommended Nutraceuticals for participation in this study. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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