Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Eyes (red or itching)

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Synopsis

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

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been scientifically investigated for their role in supporting eye health, especially in conditions associated with redness, itching, and dryness—symptoms commonly seen in dry eye disease. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have indicated that omega-3 supplementation can reduce symptoms of dry eye, which often include redness and itching. The mechanism appears to involve anti-inflammatory effects: omega-3 fatty acids help modulate the production of inflammatory mediators, leading to reduced ocular surface inflammation and improved tear film stability.

For example, a 2016 meta-analysis in the journal Cornea concluded that omega-3 supplementation significantly improved tear break-up time and reduced dry eye symptoms compared to placebo. The DREAM study (2018), a large, well-designed trial, found no statistically significant benefit over placebo, though the placebo response was unusually strong in this study. Despite mixed results, many ophthalmologists recommend omega-3s as a safe adjunct for managing dry eye symptoms, including redness and itching.

While omega-3s are not typically used for acute allergic conjunctivitis or severe infections, there is sufficient scientific evidence to justify their use as part of a long-term strategy for managing chronic dry eye syndrome and associated symptoms. However, the overall strength of the evidence is moderate, reflecting some inconsistencies in clinical outcomes and the need for further research.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
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Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
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Arthritis
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Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
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Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
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Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
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Menopause
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Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
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Neuralgia and Neuritis
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Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
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PMS Type D
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Polyps
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Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
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Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
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Skin (dry and/or flaky)
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Spinal Disks
Strokes
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Thinking (cloudy)
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Triglycerides (high)
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Vaginal Dryness