Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- In 2013 the International Journal of Ophthalmology published a double-blind clinical trial involving 518 subjects which found that 500 mg omega-3 capsules taken twice daily was significantly more effective than a placebo for treating dry eye. The greatest benefit was seen in patients with blepharitis and meibomian gland disease. [Source]
- In 2013 Ophthalmology published a double-blind study in which 64 patients with dry eye received either a placebo or 2 capsules of omega-3, each containing 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA daily for 30 days. Compared to the placebo group, the omega-3 group had increased tear secretion, reduced dry eye and a decrease in the rate of tear evaporation. [Source]
- In 2014 Medical Science Monitor published a meta-analysis of 7 trials published between 2007 and 2013 which included a total of 790 participants. The combined data showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is an effective therapy for dry eye syndrome. [Source]
- In 2016 Cornea published a double-blind, 150-patient study in which 12 weeks of daily omega-3 supplementation consisting of 4 softgels containing 680 mg of EPA and 560 million mg of DHA improved various indicators of dry eye when compared to a control group. [Source]
- In 2008 Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society published a 1-year, placebo-controlled trial in which patients with blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction saw improvements in ocular surface disease score after supplementing 2000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids 3 times daily. [Source]
Omega 3s and bilberry extract, and lutein
- In 2011 Biomedical Research published a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 4 weeks of treatment with a supplement containing fish oil, bilberry extract and lutein improved asthenopia and mental fatigue in 11 individuals when compared to a placebo group. [Source]
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Computer screen related dry-eye
- In 2015 Contact Lens & Anterior Eye published a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 478 subjects in which individuals saw significant improvements in computer-vision-syndrome-related dry eye after 3 months of daily supplementation with 2 capsules of omega-3 fatty acids each containing 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA. [Source]
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Dry eyes for contact lens wearers
- In 2015 Cornea published a double-blind study in which 496 contact lens wearers with dry eye received either a placebo or omega-3 fatty acid capsules twice daily for 6 months. The omega-3 group experienced significantly near greater reductions in dry eye symptoms as well as improved contact lens comfort compared to the placebo group. [Source]
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Dry eyes associated with anti-glaucoma eye drops
- In 2016 Clinical Ophthalmology published an open-label study in which 1255 patients with dry eye symptoms related to anti-glaucoma topical medication were treated with 12 weeks of supplementation with an omega-3 fatty acid/antioxidant combination supplement (Brudypio). Significant improvement was seen in compliant patients.[Source]
Quercetin
- In 2015 Cornea published an animal study which showed that topical quercetin can reduce dry eye in mice through increasing tear production and reducing corneal surface irregularity and inflammation. [Source]
Royal Jelly
- In 2014 the Public Library of Science published an animal study which tested the oral administration of five honey bee products – royal jelly, raw honey, pollen, propolis and larva – on rats bred to have dry eyes. Royal jelly restored tear secretion capacity to the largest extent. [Source]