Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3
For the health condition: Bloodshot Eyes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil, have been studied for their role in supporting eye health, including conditions that may lead to bloodshot eyes such as dry eye disease. Bloodshot eyes often result from irritation, dryness, or inflammation. Clinical research has demonstrated that oral supplementation with omega-3s can improve tear production and reduce ocular surface inflammation, which may help decrease redness and discomfort associated with dry eyes—a common cause of bloodshot appearance.

Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses (e.g., Macsai, 2008; Bhargava et al., 2013; Liu et al., 2017) have found that omega-3 supplementation is associated with significant improvements in dry eye symptoms and signs, including conjunctival redness. The mechanism is thought to stem from omega-3’s anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce tear film evaporation and stabilize tear production. However, not all studies are uniformly positive, and the degree of benefit can vary depending on the population and dosage.

While omega-3s are not a direct treatment for the symptom of bloodshot eyes per se, their validated benefit for underlying conditions like dry eye disease means that they are scientifically justified for reducing some causes of eye redness. The overall strength of evidence is moderate (rated 3/5), with endorsement from some ophthalmology guidelines, but a need for further high-quality trials specifically focused on bloodshot eyes as a primary endpoint.

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