Can supplements improve symptoms of dry eye disease?

Scientists have highlighted the potential of supplementation with a combination of fatty acids in addressing the symptoms of severe dry eye disease.

A new study, which was published in Optometry and Vision Science, described the results of a trial involving 50 patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease.

Participants were randomly assigned to take either a supplement or a placebo every day for three months.

The supplement contained omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, while the placebo was a combination of olive oil and coconut oil.

Before the trial, a series of assessments were carried out to determine the extent of dry eye disease symptoms.

The same assessments were completed after one month and at the end of the three-month period.

The authors highlighted that supplementation resulted in “significant and clinically meaningful” improvement of dry eye disease symptoms in “extremely symptomatic” participants.

They recommend further research examining the effects of early supplementation in patients with mild to moderate dry eye disease.