Should you take Omega 3-6-9 for Dry Eye?

Omega 3 and Omega 6 and Omega 9 are all important fatty acids for whole body health.  However, when specifically talking dry eye treatment and ocular inflammation, Omega 3 is really the only thing that matters.  Because it can not be produced by the body, 100% of Omega 3 comes from diet and supplementation.  Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) sources are supplements such as PRN Omega 3 or Nature's Way NutraSea Omega 3 as well as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines) and fortified foods like eggs and yogurt.

Omega 6 is also an 'essential' fatty acid (meaning that it all comes from diet and supplementation) however is is very common in a North American diet with many sources such as cooking oils, oils used in salad dressings, chicken, beef.

Omega 9 is a fatty acid that our body can make so supplementation is not required for most people.

How much Omega 3 should you take for dry eyes?

The Omega 3 dosage for dry eye treatment is often higher that supplementation for brain and heart health.  The form of the Omega 3 is important for bio-availability and triglyceride form is preferred.  In clinic, I often recommended up to 2000mg/day (EPA+DHA).

It is important to ignore capsule size and look at the EPA+ DHA content when deciding how many capsules or how much liquid Omega 3 to take.   I have put together a guide to help interpret an Omega 3 label.

For vegans and vegetarians the Omega 3 choices are limited to ALA (flax/chai seeds) and Algal Oil (from algea) which is DHA but expensive.  Although ALA is an Omega 3, it does not convert well to the EPA/DHA required for dry eye treatmenr.

Bottom line - Omega 3 and specifically EPA + DHA is the most important  fatty acid supplement for dry eye.   In my opinion, Omega 6 and Omega 9 supplementation do not significantly influence dry eye treatment outcomes so I do not recommend to patients.

Always find out if Omega 3 is right for your type of dry eye with your local Optometrist.

Dr Morris