Abstract | PURPOSE:
Dry eye is a common complaint often encountered in optometric practice. However, it is a difficult condition to treat as clinical signs do not always correlate with patient symptoms. Essential fatty acids (EFA), particularly omega-3 EFA, may be effective in dealing with the underlying causes. METHODS: A literature review was carried out on the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Ovid databases. Searches included keywords such as ' dry eye', ' essential fatty acids' and 'nutrition' to find articles relating to the treatment of dry eye syndrome (DES) with omega-3 EFAs. RESULTS: Omega-3 and -6 EFAs need to be consumed together within a reasonable ratio to be effective. Currently, typical diets in developed countries lack omega-3 EFA and this results in an overexposure to omega-6. Omega-3 supplementation has an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting creation of omega-6 prostaglandin precursors. Omega-3 EFAs also demonstrate anti-inflammatory action in the lacrimal gland preventing apoptosis of the secretory epithelial cells. Supplementation clears meibomitis, allowing a thinner, more elastic lipid layer to protect the tear film and cornea. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation of omega-3 EFA has already proven to be effective in coronary heart disease and arthritis. Safety is not a concern as it works synergistically with omega-6 in the body. Evidence suggests that supplementation with omega-3 EFA may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of DES.
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Authors | Marco Roncone, Hannah Bartlett, Frank Eperjesi |
Journal | Contact lens & anterior eye : the journal of the British Contact Lens Association
(Cont Lens Anterior Eye)
Vol. 33
Issue 2
Pg. 49-54; quiz 100
(Apr 2010)
ISSN: 1476-5411 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 20031476
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Copyright | 2009 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Dietary Supplements
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Dry Eye Syndromes
(diet therapy, drug therapy, epidemiology)
- Fatty Acids, Essential
(administration & dosage)
- Humans
- Prevalence
- Treatment Outcome
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