Omega 3 Fatty Acids

An imbalance in the ratio of  Omega fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6, has been found to cause abnormal secretions of the meibomian glands.

To improve Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratios, eat more foods with high Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratios, consume more foods high in Omega 3’s, or take Omega 3 supplements.

Ask your doctor about a proper diet, and nutritional supplements, to help treat this imbalance.

Expeller pressed oils are lower in Omega 6 than non-expeller pressed oils. Look for expeller pressed versions of sunflower and safflower oils if you opt for them.

Be aware of foods that are said to be high in Omega 3’s but that are also even higher in Omega 6’s, such as walnuts, because the Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio in these foods is not beneficial.

For more information see The Importance of the Ratio of Omega6/Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.

There are many Omega 3 supplements on the market today. Be sure to take Omega 3 supplements that do not contain mercury, or other contaminants, and look for Omega 3 supplements without ethyl esters. There are many good and reliable Omega 3 supplements, including these from PRN.

Studies have shown that improving the Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio, or supplementing with Omega 3 fatty acids, can improve meibomian gland secretions and Dry Eye symptoms:

References

A metabolomic approach to dry eye disorders. The role of oral supplements with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids
Galbis-Estrada C, Pinazo-Durán MD, Martínez-Castillo S, Morales JM, Monleón D, Zanon-Moreno V.
Molecular Vision
2015 May 11;21:555-67. eCollection 2015.
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Oral omega-3 fatty acids treatment in computer vision syndrome related dry eye
Bhargava R, Kumar P, Phogat H, Kaur A, Kumar M.
Contact Lens & Anterior Eye: the journal of the British Contact Lens Association 2015 Jun;38(3):206-10. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2015.01.007. Epub 2015 Feb 16.
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Omega-3 essential fatty acids therapy for dry eye syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies
Liu A, Ji J.
Medical Science Monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research
2014 Sep 6;20:1583-9. doi: 10.12659/MSM.891364.
View the full report