Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the body system: Eyes

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Synopsis

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

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have been researched for their effects on eye health. The strongest evidence supports their role in the management of dry eye disease. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that omega-3 supplementation can improve symptoms and signs of dry eye, potentially by reducing inflammation and supporting tear production. For example, a 2019 meta-analysis in "Cornea" found that omega-3 supplementation leads to measurable improvements in tear break-up time and subjective symptoms in people with dry eye. However, a large-scale, well-designed study—the DREAM trial (published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 2018)—found no significant benefit of omega-3 supplementation over placebo for dry eye symptoms, leading to some controversy in the field. For age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the evidence is less robust. The AREDS2 trial, a landmark clinical study, found that adding omega-3s to a vitamin/mineral supplement did not further reduce the risk of AMD progression. However, observational studies have linked higher dietary intake of omega-3s to a lower risk of developing AMD, suggesting a possible preventive effect that has not yet been confirmed in intervention trials. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids are widely used to support eye health, especially for dry eye, and their use is supported by moderate scientific evidence, though not all studies agree and benefits may vary between individuals.

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