Do Fish Oil Supplements Prevent Dry Eyes?

In a large, randomized trial, an omega-3 supplement did not lower the incidence of dry eye disease.

Fish oil supplements (containing marine ω-3 fatty acids) have been touted as a treatment for so-called dry eye disease. Although the large, randomized DREAM trial failed to confirm that fish oil supplements are effective for people with dry eye disease (NEJM JW Gen Med Jun 1 2018 and N Engl J Med 2018; 378:1681), some clinicians and various sources on the Internet continue to recommend this treatment.

Now, more information comes from the landmark VITAL study, in which 26,000 middle-aged and older people were randomized to receive 1 g daily of ω-3 fatty acids or placebo. Previously reported primary outcomes of the VITAL study were adverse cardiovascular events and cancer (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 15 2018 and N Engl J Med 2019; 380:23), but the res…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Do Fish Oil Supplements Prevent Dry Eyes?

Topics

Reviewing Author