Mount Sinai research on omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for dry eye

A clinical trial supported by the National Eye Institute shows that oral omega-3 is no better than placebo in relieving signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

The mean change in symptom score was similar in the active and placebo supplement groups. There were no significant differences between groups for changes in signs of dry eye disease: conjunctival staining, corneal staining, tear break-up time, and Schirmer test.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common, chronic condition affecting approximately 14 percent of adults in the United States. It causes ocular discomfort, fatigue, visual disturbances, pain, and irritation, which affect quality of life. When medical care costs are combined with productivity loss, the annual cost of dry eye disease to the United States economy is over $55 billion. Most available treatments do not sufficiently relieve symptoms for the majority of patients, and that's why many clinicians and patients turn to dietary supplements of omega-3 fatty acids (ω3) because of their anti-inflammatory actions and lack of significant side effects. Although there is no definitive evidence for the efficacy of ω3 supplements in relieving signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Preferred Practice Pattern states that ω3 products may be beneficial "though the evidence is insufficient to establish effectiveness." This Dry Eye and Assessment Management Study (DREAM) is the first large-scale real-world, double-masked, randomized clinical trial that studies the long-term efficacy and safety of omega-3 supplementation for symptomatic DED. Results show there are no safety issues linked to this supplement when taken for DED and no serious adverse effects.

The study measured omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of symptoms and signs of dry eye disease.

Researchers conducted a multi-center, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. The active supplement group received a daily dose of 3,000mg of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid, 2,000mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 1,000mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The placebo group received 5,000mg of olive oil (approximately 1 teaspoon).

Despite use of other treatments, patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease randomly assigned to take ω3 or placebo supplements for one year both experienced improvement in mean values for symptoms and signs. However, researchers found no evidence of a beneficial effect of ω3 supplements on the symptoms and signs of dry eye disease relative to placebo supplements.

"DREAM results do not support w3 supplementation for dry eye disease. There is a cost, and the money may be better spent on other treatments for dry eye disease," explains Dr. Asbell.

Provided by The Mount Sinai Hospital