Can Omega-3s Help My Dry Eyes? What to Know About Supplements for Dry Eye

Written By Seona .

If you've been struggling with dry, irritated, or tired eyes, you’re not alone—and you may have heard that omega-3 supplements can help. At Innovative EyeCare, we often recommend nutraceuticals (science-backed supplements) as part of a customized dry eye treatment plan. One of the most effective options? High-quality omega-3s.

But before you run to the store and grab just any fish oil, here’s what you should know:

🐟 Why Omega-3s Matter for Dry Eye

Omega-3 fatty acids—especially EPA and DHA—have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. These healthy fats improve the quality of oils your meibomian glands produce (those are the tiny oil glands along your eyelids that keep your tears from evaporating too quickly). When the oil is healthier and flows better, your eyes stay more comfortable and less dry.

💊 How Much Should I Take?

The sweet spot for dry eye support is around 2,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily. But not all fish oil supplements are created equal.

2 versions that we recommend are available at Dry Eye Rescue: We’re sure there are many other great options out there, but in the dry eye community, these two brands—PRN De3 and Nordic Naturals ProOmega—consistently stand out for delivering noticeable relief and high patient satisfaction.

  • **PRN De3 Omega ** – physician-recommended, clinically proven, and highly purified

  • Clinically Proven Dry Eye Relief: Delivers 2,240 mg of highly absorbable EPA and DHA in a re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form, specifically formulated to support healthy tear production and alleviate symptoms like dryness, grittiness, and burning. ​

    1. Enhanced Absorption and Purity: Utilizes an ultra-purified rTG form of omega-3s, ensuring better absorption and bioavailability compared to standard fish oil supplements, without the fishy aftertaste.

  • Nordic Naturals ProOmega-D – a high-quality over-the-counter option available online or in health stores. You can use the code IEC20 on Dry Eye Rescue to receive 20% off your first order on these vitamins.

  • Clinically Recommended Dose for Dry Eye Relief: Each serving delivers 2,150 mg of omega-3s (1,125 mg EPA and 875 mg DHA) in a highly absorbable triglyceride form, supporting tear production and reducing inflammation associated with dry eye. ​

    1. No Fishy Aftertaste with Natural Lemon Flavor: Enjoy a pleasant lemon taste without the typical fishy burps, making it easier to maintain consistent supplementation for optimal eye health. ​

Tip: Always read the label! Many products say “1,000 mg fish oil” but only contain a small fraction of EPA and DHA. What matters most is the active dose of EPA and DHA, not just the total amount of oil.

🔍 How Do We Know What the Right Dose Is?

You might be wondering: Why 2,000 mg? Here's what the science says:

  • Multiple large studies and clinical trials have shown that dry eye symptoms improved most consistently when patients took around 2,000 mg per day of EPA and DHA combined.

  • These omega-3s work by reducing inflammation and improving the quality of oil produced by your meibomian glands.

  • This dose is considered safe, effective, and well-tolerated—and it’s the same amount used in high-quality products like PRN De3.

So while you may see lots of fish oil products on the market, the key is making sure you’re getting the right type (EPA/DHA) and the right amount (around 2,000 mg) to actually help your eyes.

⏳ When Will I Notice a Difference?

Here’s the next common question we get: How long before I feel better?

While some patients report early improvements, most notice significant symptom relief after about:

  • 4 to 6 weeks – mild improvement may begin

  • 8 to 12 weeks – more consistent comfort, less irritation, fewer drops needed

And here’s what the research says:

A major study—a meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials involving over 3,300 patients—found that omega-3 supplements led to significant improvements in:

  • Tear breakup time (TBUT)

  • Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores

  • Corneal staining

But the effects were not immediate. Consistent supplementation for 8 to 12 weeks was needed for these results to appear.

Omega-3s don’t work like eye drops. They take time to:

  • Reduce inflammation on the ocular surface

  • Improve oil quality from the meibomian glands

  • Stabilize the tear film by changing the composition of your natural oils

These changes happen gradually—at the cellular level—as the omega-3s are incorporated into gland membranes and modulate inflammatory pathways.

✅ What Else Can I Do?

Omega-3s work best when combined with in-office treatments that clean and unclog your oil glands—like IPL or RF therapy. These treatments help reset your glands, and omega-3s help keep them working long-term.

💬 Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of relying on endless bottles of artificial tears, it may be time to support your eyes from the inside out. Omega-3s are a safe, natural, and science-supported way to help reduce dry eye symptoms over time.

As always, we’re here to guide you with a personalized plan that actually works—because your eyes deserve it.

📅 Ready to take the next step?

Book a dry eye consultation today at innovativeeye.care and let’s create a treatment plan tailored just for you.

Seona .
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