EFAs for Dry Eye

NEW YORKA pair of researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine published a review in a recent issue of Current Opinion in Ophthamology (2011 Jul;22(4):279-82) on the use of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the treatment of systemic and ocular diseases, including dry eye disease.

They noted systemic and topical omega-3 and -6 fatty acids have been used as an adjunctive treatment for patients with dry eye disease, showing efficacy against common symptoms of the disease. They stated while this intervention is promising, more investigation is needed to standardize indication for use, and composition and dosing for treatment.

One of these researchers, Penny Asbell, Ph.D., is leading a clinical trial designed to investigate the efficacy of omega-3s in treating dry eye. A collaborative effort involving the National Eye Institute (NEI), this feasibility study will include a 3g/d dose of omega-3 supplement (2,000 mg EPA and 1,000 mg DHA) and an olive oil placebo given to adult men and women with dry eye symptoms. Investigators will look for changes in ocular surface disease index (OSDI) as the primary outcome, in addition to several secondary outcomes including changes in brief ocular discomfort inventory (BODI), impact of dry eye on every day life (IDEEL), quality of life relative to chronic pain, ocular surface and relevant biomarkers. According to ClinicalTrials,gov, the study is in the recruitment phase.