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There is a growing body of research supporting the use of omega 3 fatty acids supplements to treat dry eye, an uncomfortable condition that arises when the eye produces fewer tears.
The New York Times article linked and excerpted below is somewhat confusing. The article says that though the evidence that fish oil aka Omega 3 Fatty Acids helps dry eye is weak,
“There is a growing body of research supporting the use of fish oil supplements to treat dry eye,“
“Many doctors feel comfortable prescribing fish oil supplements based on current research“
My experience is that medical doctors don’t prescribe anything that is not supported by lots of evidence-based research. Fish oil soothes dry eye.
I don’t have dry eye. But I am a long-term cancer survivor and I do supplement with fish oil aka Omega 3 Fatty Acids for
“Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is the condition of having dryeyes.[2] Other associated symptoms include irritation, redness, discharge, and easily fatigued eyes. Blurred vision may also occur.[2] The symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and continuous.[3] Scarring of the cornea may occur in some cases without treatment…”
In a preliminary study, 12 people who worked themselves up to taking 9,000 milligrams per day of flaxseed oil reported substantially less itching, dryness, burning, and eye fatigue after three months.
Also, oily secretions from meibomian glands in their eyelids increased. Failure of these glands to produce or secrete oil produces dry eyesymptoms.
The findings were presented here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology..
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Softens Secretions
Dry eye syndrome affects about 12 million Americans.
Tears are a combination of water, for moisture; oils, for lubrication; mucus, for even spreading; and antibodies and special proteins, for resistance to infection.
People in the study all had a problem with oil secretions from their meibomian glands.”
The list of health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) listed below may seem endless. And it might seem impossible for daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids to provide all the of the health benefits below but its not.
I’m a long-term cancer survivor living with chemobrain, chemo-induced heart damage, radiation-induced nerve damage and a risk of treatment related secondary cancers. I believe that omega 3 fatty acid supplementation helps me maintain my health each and every day.
It includes central obesity (belly fat), high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high triglycerides and low HDL levels.
It is a major public health concern, since it increases your risk of developing many other diseases. These include heart disease and diabetes (51).
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce insulin resistance and inflammation, and improve heart disease risk factors in people with metabolic syndrome (52, 53, 54).
7. Omega-3s Can Fight Inflammation
Inflammation is incredibly important. We need it to fight infections and repair damage in the body.
8. Omega-3s Can Fight Autoimmune Diseases
9. Omega-3s Can Improve Mental Disorders
10. Omega-3s Can Fight Age-Related Mental Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
11. Omega-3s May Help Prevent Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world, and omega-3 fatty acids have long been claimed to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
12. Omega-3s Can Reduce Asthma in Children
Asthma is a chronic lung disease with symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.
13. Omega-3s Can Reduce Fat in The Liver
14. Omega-3s May Improve Bone and Joint Health
Osteoporosis and arthritis are two common disorders that affect the skeletal system.
Studies indicate that omega-3s can improve bone strength by increasing the amount of calcium in bones. This should lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis (87, 88).
Omega-3s may also help with arthritis. Patients taking omega-3 supplements have reported reduced joint pain and increased grip strength (89, 90).
15. Omega-3s Can Alleviate Menstrual Pain
Menstrual pain occurs in the lower abdomen and pelvis, and often radiates to the lower back and thighs.
16. Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Improve Sleep
Good sleep is one of the foundations of optimal health.
17. Omega-3 Fats Are Good For Your Skin
EPA also benefits the skin in several ways, including (101, 102):
Managing oil production in skin.
Managing hydration of the skin.
Preventing hyperkeratinization of hair follicles (the little red bumps often seen on upper arms).
Preventing premature ageing of the skin.
Preventing acne.
Omega-3s can also protect your skin from sun damage. EPA helps block the release of substances that eat away at the collagen in your skin after sun exposure (101).
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As I understand it, Dry Eye is part of a syndrome of symptoms called Sjogrens Syndrome. It is an autoimmune disorder. Gluten causes many autoimmune disorders. In my opinion the sufferers of dry eye should be screened for gluten antibodies. This means asking for the celiac test. If indeed gluten antibodies show up in the blood test, the gluten free diet should resolve the problem in 2-3 months.
helps dry eye is weak,
