For years, omega-3 supplements have been widely recommended for people dealing with dry eye disease. Whether you experience burning, stinging, light sensitivity, or that gritty “sand in the eyes” feeling, fish oil capsules often appear on every “best natural remedies” list. This post explores the latest science, including the updated major guidelines developed by eye doctors worldwide in relation to omega-3 fatty acids for dry eye treatment.
What Exactly are Omega-3s?
Omega-3s are fatty acid molecules that exist naturally in foods like fish, nuts, soybeans, Brussels sprouts and algae. They can also be found in other fortified foods. Our bodies cannot make omega-3s on their own, so we have to get them through our diet or through supplementation. There are a few different types of omega-3s: the three main types are ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic Acid). These omega-3s are typically found in two molecular forms: ethyl-ester (EE) and re-esterified triglyceride (rTG). EE form does not exist naturally: this form exists only as a supplement as it is created during the manufacturing process. Most omega-3 supplements are EE form for this reason (it is easiest and cheapest to produce). Because EE form is not the naturally occurring molecular form of omega-3, it is not as easy for our bodies to absorb; rTG form is preferred for this reason. This becomes important when we talk about dry eyes later in this post.
Why Omega-3 Supplements Were Originally Recommended
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Since much of dry eye—particularly meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—involves inflammation as one of the main components that worsens the condition, omega-3s were believed to help by reducing inflammation on the surface of the eye, improving the oil (lipid) layer of the tear film/enhancing tear stability and supporting overall oil gland function. Early studies suggested meaningful benefits, and many patients reported improvements. This is how omega-3s became a standard recommendation from eye care professionals.
What Current Studies Say about Omega-3s
Major global dry eye research (DEWS II and DEWSIII) support the use of fatty acid supplementation as part of a comprehensive management plan. The DEWS reports are considered the world's most influential dry eye documents; they are an international consensus literature review created by a large group of ophthalmologists, optometrists and clinical researchers worldwide. Eye care professionals use these reports as the global "gold standard" for patient care in relation to dry eye disease. DEWS II and III emphasize that omega-3s may provide benefits for tear stability and symptoms, even though results vary among individuals; in addition, fatty acid supplementation is generally safe, accessible, and supportive of overall health.
So… Do Omega-3 Supplements Help Dry Eye?
Short Answer:
They will not be a miracle cure, but still a valid, evidence-supported option within a broader treatment plan. Studies show that 2-3 months of consistent supplementation is needed before patients note improvement in symptoms.
Longer Answer:
Omega-3s may help some individuals more than others, particularly those with inflammatory dry eye, lots of computer/screen use, rosacea, MGD or systemic inflammatory conditions like Sjogren syndrome. Keep in mind that most patients with dry eye have MGD. Some studies showed mixed results—but there are no studies we know of that prove that omega-3s “don’t work.” Major authorities (DEWS II and III) recommend them as part of a comprehensive management plan, and supplementing with omega-3 is safe and there could be benefits in other areas of systemic health.
Should You Try Omega-3 Supplements?
This is something you can definitely inquire on with your eye care professional. You may want to try omega-3 supplements if your diet is already low in fatty fish, you have MGD or a systemic inflammatory condition that causes dry eye. If you have moderate to severe dry eye, an omega-3 supplement alone is unlikely going to be enough to manage your symptoms. Make sure you inquire with your optometrist or ophthalmologist about what other treatment modalities would be optimal for you.
Does the Molecular Form Matter? What about Dosage?
According to current literature, omega-3 in rTG form is what has been shown to produce the therapeutic improvement in symptoms. EE form does not have this same scientific support, so you will need to look carefully at the bottle: make sure it specifies "re-esterified triglyceride form." There are also recommendations regarding dosage: look for a supplement in rTG form that contains at least 2250mg of combined DHA and EPA from marine sources. There is not much research supporting ALA or plant-based omega-3 for dry eyes. If you aren't sure, inquire with your eye care professional.
Bottom Line
Omega-3 supplements are not a cure for dry eye—but they remain a valid, evidence-based recommendation. The best approach is a multimodal plan that includes other proven treatments (warm compresses, tear drops, healthy lifestyle habits, potentially in-office therapies).
References:
- Craig, J. P., Nichols, K. K., Akpek, E. K., Caffery, B., Dua, H. S., Joo, C. K., ... & Stapleton, F. (2017). TFOS DEWS II definition and classification report. The ocular surface, 15(3), 276-283.
- Perez, V. L., Chen, W., Craig, J. P., Dogru, M., Jones, L., Stapleton, F., ... & Sullivan, D. A. (2025). Tfos Dews Iii: Executive Summary. American journal of ophthalmology.
- Giannaccare, G., Pellegrini, M., Sebastiani, S., Bernabei, F., Roda, M., Taroni, L., ... & Campos, E. C. (2019). Efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for treatment of dry eye disease: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Cornea, 38(5), 565-573.
- O'Byrne, C., & O'Keeffe, M. (2023). Omega‐3 fatty acids in the management of dry eye disease—An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis. Acta ophthalmologica, 101(2), e118-e134.
- Bhargava, R., Pandey, K., Ranjan, S., Mehta, B., & Malik, A. (2023). Omega-3 fatty acids supplements for dry eye-Are they effective or ineffective?. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 71(4), 1619-1625.
Contributors:
Sarah Farrag, OD
Dr. Sarah Farrag is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is happy to be practicing optometry in her hometown. She graduated with honors from the University of Waterloo Doctor of Optometry program in June 2015. In addition to routine optometric care, Dr. Farrag also facilitates an advanced dry eye clinic offering specialty consultation and treatment for severe dry eye.
