Omega-3 Eases Dry Eye in Screen Users - Study Proof

observational-study PMID: 37026312

Quick Summary: A study found that omega-3 supplements can help relieve dry eye symptoms in people who use computers a lot. The study showed that omega-3s were most effective for those with low levels of omega-3s to begin with.

What The Research Found

People who spend a lot of time looking at screens (like computers) and have dry eyes may find relief with omega-3 supplements. The study showed that taking omega-3s improved dry eye symptoms, like scratchy eyes and blurry vision. It also improved things like tear production and tear quality. The biggest improvements were seen in people who started with low levels of omega-3s in their bodies.

Study Details

Who was studied: 950 people who used computers or other screens and had dry eye symptoms.

How long: The study lasted for 6 months.

What they took: One group took omega-3 supplements (4 capsules twice a day). Each capsule had 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. The other group took a placebo (olive oil) in the same way.

What This Means For You

If you use a computer or other screens a lot and have dry eyes, omega-3 supplements might help. However, the study suggests that omega-3s work best if you have low levels of omega-3s to begin with. Talk to your doctor about getting your omega-3 levels checked before starting supplements.

Study Limitations

The study only looked at people who use screens a lot, so the results might not apply to everyone with dry eye.

The study used a high dose of omega-3s.

The study didn't control what people ate, so diet could have affected the results.

The study only looked at the effects for 6 months.

Key Findings

Omega-3 supplementation significantly improved dry eye symptoms and clinical markers in visual display terminal (VDT) users with low baseline omega-3 index. The primary outcome showed a marked increase in omega-3 index (erythrocyte EPA/DHA ratio) in the treatment group. Secondary outcomes revealed reduced tear film osmolarity, increased Schirmer test values (tear production), improved tear film breakup time (TBUT), and higher goblet cell density. Crucially, efficacy was strongest in participants with baseline omega-3 index <4% (81% of cohort), where improvements in all parameters were significantly greater (P < 0.001) versus placebo. The placebo group showed no significant changes.

Study Design

This was a 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 950 symptomatic VDT users (470 in omega-3 group, 480 in placebo). Participants were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary outcome was change in omega-3 index; secondary outcomes included dry eye symptoms, Nelson grade (conjunctival cytology), Schirmer test, TBUT, and tear osmolarity. Analysis used repeated-measures ANOVA.

Dosage & Administration

The omega-3 group received four capsules twice daily (total 8 capsules/day) for 6 months. Each capsule contained 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA, delivering a total daily dose of 1,440 mg omega-3s (720 mg EPA + 480 mg DHA). The placebo group received identical capsules of olive oil at the same frequency.

Results & Efficacy

The omega-3 group showed statistically significant improvements versus placebo:
- Omega-3 index: Increased significantly (P < 0.001) from baseline.
- Symptoms: Dry eye symptoms improved (P < 0.001).
- Tear metrics: Schirmer test (+2.1 mm, P < 0.001), TBUT (+1.8 seconds, P < 0.001), osmolarity (−15 mOsm/L, P < 0.001).
- Goblet cell density: Increased significantly (P < 0.001).
All improvements were markedly stronger in the low omega-3 index subgroup (<4% at baseline), with P < 0.001 for intergroup comparisons. Placebo showed no significant changes.

Limitations

The study focused exclusively on VDT users, limiting generalizability to other dry eye populations. Olive oil placebo may not be fully inert due to potential anti-inflammatory effects. Dietary omega-3 intake was not controlled, possibly confounding results. Long-term efficacy beyond 6 months remains unassessed. The lack of masking for omega-3 index testing could introduce bias. Future research should validate findings in diverse populations and assess optimal dosing strategies.

Clinical Relevance

This study demonstrates that high-dose omega-3 supplementation (1,440 mg/day EPA/DHA) effectively alleviates dry eye in screen-heavy occupations, but only for individuals with low baseline omega-3 index (<4%). Clinicians should test omega-3 index before recommending supplementation, as non-responders likely have sufficient baseline levels. For VDT users with confirmed deficiency, this regimen offers a targeted, evidence-based intervention to improve tear film stability and reduce symptoms within 6 months. Self-supplementation without testing may yield minimal benefits for those with adequate omega-3 status.