One of the questions I get asked frequently in my exam room is, “Dr. Chetti, should I be taking fish oil for my dry eyes? And does the brand really matter?”
The supplement aisle can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of fish oil products, all claiming different benefits, and the prices range from a few dollars to over $70 a bottle.
So, does taking omega-3 supplements actually help your dry eyes? And if you decide to take one, which brands are worth considering?
Let’s talk about it.
First, Why Are Your Eyes Dry?
Not all dry eyes are the same.
Some patients don’t produce enough tears. Others produce plenty of tears, but those tears evaporate too quickly.
One of the most common problems I see is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). These tiny glands along your eyelids produce the oily layer of your tears. When they become blocked or don’t function properly, your tears evaporate faster than they should.
This can cause burning, watering, redness, blurry vision, and discomfort with contact lenses.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why researchers have studied their potential benefits for dry eye disease.
Do Omega-3 Supplements Actually Work?
Here’s where things get interesting.
Some studies have shown improvements in dry eye symptoms with omega-3 supplements, while others have not.
In fact, a large NIH-funded study called the DREAM trial found that patients taking high doses of omega-3 supplements did not experience significantly better dry eye relief than those taking a placebo.
More recent reviews have also reported mixed findings.
My approach? Omega-3 supplements may be worth considering for some patients, but I don’t consider them a miracle treatment or a replacement for proper dry eye care.
If you have significant MGD or chronic dry eye, we need to address the underlying problem, not just add another supplement to your routine.
Which Omega-3 Brands Do I Recommend?
If a patient wants to try an omega-3 supplement, these are three products I would consider.
1. PRN De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits
This is one of my preferred specialty omega-3 options for patients looking specifically for an eye-health formulation.
It contains concentrated EPA and DHA, the two important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.
It’s generally more expensive than regular fish oil, so I remind patients that a higher price doesn’t necessarily guarantee better results.
2. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X
This is a great option for someone looking for a high-quality, concentrated omega-3 supplement.
It provides approximately 2,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per two-softgel serving and comes from an established supplement manufacturer.
I like that the EPA and DHA amounts are clearly listed, making it easier to compare with other products.
3. ScienceBased Health HydroEye
HydroEye is another supplement specifically marketed for dry eye support.
Unlike traditional fish oil products, it combines omega-3 fatty acids with GLA, another fatty acid that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
It’s a reasonable alternative to consider, although we still don’t have convincing evidence that it is superior to other formulations.
What Should You Look for on the Label?
Here’s something I always tell my patients: Don’t just look at the number printed on the front of the bottle!
A supplement labeled “Fish Oil 2,000 mg” does not necessarily contain 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA.
Look at the Supplement Facts panel and check:
- EPA and DHA: How much of each are you actually getting?
- Quality: Does the manufacturer provide independent testing for purity and contaminants?
- Serving size: How many capsules do you need daily?
- Cost: Is the supplement affordable enough to take consistently?
And remember, more isn’t always better. There is no established ideal omega-3 dose for treating dry eye.
Can You Improve Dry Eyes Without Supplements?
Absolutely!
For many of my patients, addressing their daily habits and underlying eyelid problems makes a much bigger difference.
Depending on what I find during their examination, I may recommend warm compresses, proper eyelid cleaning, preservative-free artificial tears, prescription treatments, or therapies targeting the meibomian glands.
For my contact lens patients, something as simple as switching to daily disposable lenses or reducing contact lens wear can make a significant difference.
I also encourage patients to eat more omega-3-rich foods (such as salmon, sardines, and other fatty fish) as part of an overall healthy diet.
My Final Thoughts
If you’re already taking a good-quality omega-3 supplement and tolerating it well, there’s no need to automatically switch to the most expensive eye-specific brand.
And if you’re not taking one, don’t feel that you’re missing an essential dry eye treatment.
The most important thing is understanding why your eyes are dry in the first place.
At Richmond Eye Experts, we take the time to evaluate your tear film, eyelids, and ocular surface so we can recommend treatments that make sense for your specific condition.
Have an omega-3 supplement at home and aren’t sure whether it’s a good one? Bring the bottle to your next appointment. I’m always happy to take a look!
Dr. Jordana Chettiparampil
Richmond Eye Experts
Richmond, Texas
Call or Text: 832-685-2020
About the Author
Dr. Jordana Chettiparampil is a licensed therapeutic optometrist in Richmond. She studied at the University of Houston College of Optometry, and she is a member of the American Optometric Association as well as the Texas Optometric Association. At her current practice, Richmond Eye Experts, she helps her patients protect their ocular health by treating dry eye and various other eye diseases. If you have been experiencing dry eye symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Chettiparampil by visiting her website or calling (832) 685-2020.
Scientific References
- Asbell PA, et al. n−3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2018.
- O’Byrne C, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids in the management of dry eye disease—An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Ophthalmologica. 2023.
- Cochrane Review. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements for dry eye disease.
Medical note: Discuss supplements with your healthcare professional, particularly if you take blood-thinning medications or have a history of atrial fibrillation.