Omega 3 and 6 help Dry Eye Syndrome

See also: Depression and Fish Oil   Essential Fatty Acids and Foetal Development  Omega 3 and 6 May Help Dry Eye Syndrome  Fish Oil and Brain Development

A recent study has shown the benefit of consuming sufficient omega 3 in relation to omega 6.

Over 32,000 female health professionals between the ages of 45 and 85 years, in the Women’s Health Study, provided information on diet and Dry Eye Syndrome, and were cross-sectionally studied.

They assessed intake of Fatty Acids by using a validated food-frequency questionnaire, and carried out self-assessments of Dry Eye Syndrome. All women had previously been clinically diagnosed with Dry Eye Syndrome.

Results showed that a higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 Fatty Acid consumption was associated with a significantly increased risk of Dry Eye Syndrome.

In addition, the consumption of tuna was inversely associated with Dry Eye Syndrome.

These results suggest that eating more omega-3 (or supplementing) is associated with a decreased incidence of Dry Eye Syndrome in women.

Am. J. Clinical Nutrition. 2005 Oct; 82(4):887-93


Comment: Although oily fish is an excellent source of omega-3 Fatty Acids, due to significant levels of toxicity found in almost all fish nowadays, it is no longer recommended that fish be eaten more than once per week, and it is now generally recommended to take good quality EPA/DHA (fish oil) supplements instead.