Dry Eye and Omega-3 Fish Oils

90% of dry eye come from the eyelids and not the actual eyes themselves; specifically oil glands located inside the top and bottom lids. Without proper quantity and quality of these oil glands the eye's tear film will not be able to adhere and provide comfort for the eyes. These oil glands are called meibomian glands and the substance secreted by them called the meibum.

Omega-3 Fish Oils have been long demonstrated to lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and slow the development of plaque buildups in arteries. These supplements have also been proven to increase both the quantity and quality of the meibum that is responsible for the most important layer of our tear film. Without a high quality tear film symptoms of dryness, irritation, pain, blurry vision, and even inflammation can occur. In one study the increase in the metabolic pathway with omega-3 fatty acid molecules that these fish oils contain resulted in a reduced inflammatory state of the eyelid margin and meibomian glands by reducing omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-6 fatty acids unlike Omega-3 are pro-inflammatory and are found in an unhealthy excess in the American diet of corn and vegetable oils. Although it is important to have a balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in our diet, the Western diet tends to have a huge imbalance of pro-inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acids in our bodies. It has also been noted that Omega-3 fish oils showed a statistically significant improvement in the tear break up time, meibum quality, and number of visible healthy meibomian ducts.

With all these proven benefits, it is highly recommended as an essential supplement for your general health as well as your eyes.
Although there are many Omega-3 fish oil products on the market it is important to distinguish these based off purity, freshness and potency. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 fish oils are rated the #1 omega-3 fish oil product in the United States and have been through rigorous examinations and studies to confirm their quality. For more information on this you can visit their website.

At Bear Creek Eye Care Optometry we are able to provide our patients with the highest quality medical services such as this in the Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and Canyon Lake areas. We provide a comprehensive dry eye workup and assessment all in one convenient location.