Best Omega-3 Supplements for Dry Eyes (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed
Dry eyes affect millions of people, causing discomfort, burning, and blurred vision that can significantly impact daily life. Omega-3 fatty acids—particularly EPA and DHA—have emerged as one of the most effective natural approaches to managing dry eye symptoms by supporting tear production and reducing inflammation in the eye’s surface. Whether your dry eyes stem from aging, screen time, medications, or environmental factors, the right omega-3 supplement can make a substantial difference in your comfort and eye health.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: ZEBORA CoQ10 with Omega-3 — high absorption formula with antioxidants
- Best Value: Designs for Health OmegAvail — premium triglyceride form fish oil
- Best Premium: Life Line Wild Alaskan Fish Oil — MSC certified for pets and humans
Quick Comparison
| Product | EPA + DHA | Form | Servings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZEBORA CoQ10 400mg + Omega-3 | Not specified | Softgels | 120 | Combined antioxidant support |
| Life Line Wild Alaskan Fish Oil | High concentration | Liquid | 128 oz | Large supply, pets & humans |
| CoQ10 600mg + Omega-3 | Not specified | Softgels | 120 | Extra strength CoQ10 |
| Designs for Health OmegAvail Hi-Po | 1600mg | Softgels | 60 | High-potency TG form |
| Vital Nutrients Ultra Pure Fish Oil 700 | 700mg EPA + DHA | Softgels | 60 | Sustainably sourced |
| ZEBORA CoQ10 300mg + Omega-3 | Not specified | Softgels | 120 | Balanced CoQ10 dose |
| ZEBORA CoQ10 100mg + Omega-3 | Not specified | Softgels | 120 | Moderate CoQ10 dose |
| Vital Nutrients Ultra Pure 700 (120ct) | 700mg EPA + DHA | Softgels | 120 | 2-month supply |
1. ZEBORA CoQ10 400mg with Omega-3 — Best Overall
- ENHANCED COQ10 WITH PQQ: Our CoQ10 400mg, with a 120-day supply, boosts natural CoQ10 levels for heart health. Combined with PQQ, it enhances mitochondrial energy production, vital for efficient energy and optimal heart function
- HIGH BIOAVAILABILITY: ZEBORA CoQ10 is enhanced with Black Pepper Extract and Sunflower Lecithin for superior absorption and bioavailability. Black Pepper offers antioxidant benefits, while sunflower lecithin supports skin and liver health
- OPTIMAL COMBINED OMEGA-3: Every Coq10 softgel contains 60 mg of omega-3s, which are imperative to promoting heart health. Omega-3s can improve sleep quality, support the eyes, skin, and brain health. Better absorption, better taste, and no fishy burps
- BENEFITS FOR STATIN USERS: CoQ10 is crucial for producing 95% of your body's energy, but levels decline with statin use. Supplementing with CoQ10 during statin therapy helps replenish lost levels, supporting energy production and overall organ function
- NATURAL AND PURE: All our products are third-party tested and are manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility. No Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners, No Sugar, No Starch, No Gluten, No Soy, No Wheat, and Sodium-free
ZEBORA combines 400mg CoQ10 with omega-3 fatty acids, PQQ, and BioPerine for comprehensive cellular and eye health support.
This innovative formula enhances omega-3’s benefits for dry eyes by adding CoQ10 for cellular energy production—crucial since tear-producing glands require substantial energy. The addition of PQQ supports mitochondrial function while BioPerine enhances absorption of all nutrients. The 120-softgel bottle provides 4 months of combined heart, brain, and eye health support. This makes it ideal for those seeking omega-3 benefits plus broader antioxidant and energy support.
What We Like
- Combines omega-3 with powerful CoQ10
- Enhanced absorption with BioPerine
- 120 servings for 4-month supply
- Supports tear gland cellular function
What Could Be Better
- Omega-3 dose not specified on label
- More ingredients mean higher cost
Bottom Line: An excellent all-in-one formula providing omega-3 for dry eyes plus CoQ10 and PQQ for enhanced cellular support.
2. Life Line Wild Alaskan Fish Oil — Best Premium Liquid
- PURE WILD ALASKAN FISH OIL: Sourced directly from the pristine, cold waters of Alaska, our fish oil is rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, that support your pet's overall health. Perfect for promoting skin and coat health, brain, eye, and heart function for dogs and cats.
- SUPPORTS SHINY SKIN & HEALTHY COAT: If your pet struggles with dry, flaky, or dull fur, this cold-pressed, wild-caught fish oil is the solution. It nourishes from the inside out to promote a shiny, soft coat while improving skin health, leaving your pet looking and feeling their best.
- BOOSTS BRAIN, EYE, & HEART FUNCTION: Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA are critical for supporting your pet’s cognitive function, maintaining clear vision, and enhancing heart health. Keep your dog or cat sharp, energetic, and active for years to come.
- EASY-TO-USE LIQUID SUPPLEMENT: This odorless, liquid fish oil is easy to add to your pet’s food or administer directly. Perfect for pets of all sizes, it’s an ideal supplement for even the pickiest eaters who will love the tasteless, mess-free formula.
- TRUSTED QUALITY & SUSTAINABILITY: We source our wild-caught fish oil from clean, sustainable Alaskan waters. Produced without additives, chemicals, or heavy metals, our fish oil is third-party tested for purity and quality, ensuring a safe and effective supplement for your pet.
Life Line provides premium wild-caught Alaskan fish oil in a generous 128-ounce liquid format for maximum value and flexibility.
This MSC-certified sustainable fish oil delivers high concentrations of EPA and DHA in liquid form, which offers superior absorption compared to capsules. The wild Alaskan source ensures purity and quality, while the large 128-ounce bottle provides months of supply for one person or can be shared with pets. Liquid fish oil allows precise dosing and can be mixed with food or taken directly. The formula supports not just dry eyes but also skin, coat, brain, and heart health through comprehensive omega-3 nutrition.
What We Like
- Wild-caught Alaskan fish oil with MSC certification
- Liquid form for superior absorption and flexible dosing
- Large 128-ounce bottle provides exceptional value
- Can be used for both humans and pets
What Could Be Better
- Liquid form requires refrigeration after opening
- Some may prefer capsule convenience
Bottom Line: Premium wild Alaskan fish oil in liquid form offering maximum absorption and value for dry eye relief.
3. CoQ10 600mg Extra Strength with Omega-3 — Best High-Dose CoQ10
- Extra Strength CoQ10 600mg Softgels Supplement: The ZEBORA coenzyme q10 product features an exceptionally high content of 600mg(q10). Compared with the regular dosages of coq10 100mg, coq10 200mg, coq10 300mg and coq10 400mg, clearly our coq10 600mg contains a significantly higher amount. Therefore, it suits conventional needs and better caters to those with a higher demand for coq10 content
- Optimal Combined Omega-3 & PQQ: Omega-3s can improve sleep quality, support the eyes, skin, and brain health. PQQ will increase ATP production, their combination with coq10 provides support for energy production. ZEBORA coenzyme q10 nutritional supplements added an extra 90mg Omega-3s, 10mg PQQ per serving, which are imperative to promoting heart health
- Ultra Absorption Black Pepper & Sunflower Lecithin: Ubiquinol and ubiquinone are continuously cycle-converted in the body, our COQ10 is blended with BioPerine and Sunflower Lecithin to enhance the absorption and bioavailability. Black Pepper is not only a bioavailability enhancer; it also has potent antioxidant properties. In addition, Sunflower Lecithin is safer than other sources of Lecithin as it has been shown to help with skin health and improve liver function
- Why CoQ10 is Needed: CoQ10 plays a vital role in producing 95% of the energy used by our organs. As we age, coenzyme q10 levels in the heart and body begin to naturally decline. Medications for statin drug users have been proven to reduce coq10 levels. In addition, people who exercise regularly or do physical labor, due to high physical exertion, have a high demand for cellular energy. These all affect heart and brain function
- Natural Ingredients Trusted Source: All our products are third-party tested and manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility. ZEBORA COQ10 supplement No Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Gluten, No Soy, No Wheat, Sodium-free, Dairy-free and Non-GMO
This extra-strength formula delivers 600mg of CoQ10 alongside omega-3, PQQ, and BioPerine for maximum cellular energy support.
The higher 600mg CoQ10 dose makes this ideal for those needing robust cellular support for tear gland function and overall eye health. CoQ10’s role in energy production becomes particularly important for dry eye sufferers, as the meibomian glands that produce the oily layer of tears require significant cellular energy. The omega-3 component reduces inflammation while supporting tear film quality. Together with PQQ and BioPerine, you get comprehensive support for dry eye relief through multiple pathways.
What We Like
- Extra-strength 600mg CoQ10 dose
- Combines omega-3 with cellular energy support
- Enhanced absorption formula with BioPerine
- 120 softgels for extended supply
What Could Be Better
- Higher dose may be more than some users need
- Premium pricing for extra-strength formula
Bottom Line: The best choice for those needing maximum CoQ10 support alongside omega-3 for comprehensive dry eye management.
4. Designs for Health OmegAvail Hi-Po — Best Triglyceride Form
- High Concentration, Multi-Form Fish Oils - BioGlycerides uniquely combines three different forms of fish oils for improved bioavailability and distribution to tissues. Contains 1600mg of EPA/DHA combined per serving in a 1:1 ratio.
- Sustainable Sourcing - Sourced from sustainable wild-caught anchovy, sardine, and mackerel fish from Peru and Chile.
- Digestibility Support & Minimizing Fishy Aftertaste - The addition of lipase makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb the fish oils and to help avoid a fishy aftertaste.
- Purity Assurance - The fish oil undergoes molecular distillation and filtration, ensuring it’s pure and free from pesticides, PCBs, and other contaminants.
- Clinically-Trusted Care - DFH is the #1 practitioner supplement brand recommended by functional medicine professionals and the #1 practitioner supplement brand personally trusted by functional medicine professionals.**
OmegAvail delivers 1600mg of EPA and DHA per serving in superior triglyceride form for maximum absorption and effectiveness.
The triglyceride (TG) form of fish oil is considered the most bioavailable and natural form of omega-3s, closely matching how fish oil exists in nature. This high-potency formula provides substantial doses of both EPA and DHA—the omega-3s most important for reducing eye inflammation and supporting tear production. The addition of lemon oil and vitamin E minimizes any fishy taste or burps while providing additional antioxidant protection. This professional-grade formula is what many healthcare practitioners recommend for dry eye support.
What We Like
- Superior triglyceride form for best absorption
- High 1600mg EPA + DHA dose per serving
- Lemon oil and vitamin E minimize fishy taste
- Professional-grade quality from trusted brand
What Could Be Better
- 60 softgels provide only 1-month supply
- Premium pricing for TG form
Bottom Line: The gold standard triglyceride-form fish oil providing maximum absorption and potency for dry eye relief.
5. Vital Nutrients Ultra Pure Fish Oil 700 — Best Sustainably Sourced
- Premium Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements: Support your heart, brain, and joint health, plus promote healthy triglyceride levels.* Ultra Pure Fish Oil 700 offers a potent concentration of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), key omega-3 fatty acid supplements essential for optimal well-being
- No Fish Oil Burps or Reflux: Enjoy our sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish oil supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids, delivering 720mg of EPA and 480mg of DHA in two softgels. Enhanced with a pleasant lemon flavor, it eliminates the common "fishy" aftertaste associated with other fish oil supplements*
- Clean Formula: Non-GMO. Made without artificial fillers, coatings, binders, or colors.
- Quality You Can Rely on: Our rigorous quality assurance program includes third-party independent laboratory testing of raw ingredients and finished products for purity and potency to ensure what’s on the label is in the bottle.
- Trusted by Healthcare Practitioners Worldwide: Vital Nutrients was founded 30 years ago by practitioners who set out to make a positive and lasting impact on the health of people and planet. Today, our premium line of clinically relevant, pure, clean-label formulas is trusted by healthcare practitioners and health-conscious consumers worldwide
Vital Nutrients provides sustainably sourced fish oil with 700mg of EPA and DHA in clean, pure softgels.
This formula emphasizes purity and sustainability, offering third-party tested fish oil free from contaminants. The 700mg combined EPA and DHA dose per softgel provides effective support for dry eyes without requiring multiple pills. The lemon flavor coating prevents fishy burps while making the supplement more pleasant to take. The gluten, dairy, and soy-free formula ensures suitability for those with dietary restrictions. The 60-softgel bottle provides a month’s supply of clean omega-3 support.
What We Like
- Sustainably sourced with purity testing
- 700mg EPA + DHA in single softgel
- Lemon flavor prevents fishy aftertaste
- Free from common allergens
What Could Be Better
- Moderate dose may require 2 daily for severe dry eye
- 60-count requires monthly reordering
Bottom Line: Clean, sustainably sourced fish oil providing effective omega-3 doses for daily dry eye support.
6. ZEBORA CoQ10 300mg with Omega-3 — Best Balanced Formula
- ENHANCED COQ10 WITH PQQ: Our CoQ10 300mg, with a 120-day supply, boosts natural CoQ10 levels for heart health. Combined with PQQ, it enhances mitochondrial energy production, vital for efficient energy and optimal heart function
- HIGH BIOAVAILABILITY: ZEBORA CoQ10 is enhanced with Black Pepper Extract and Sunflower Lecithin for superior absorption and bioavailability. Black Pepper offers antioxidant benefits, while sunflower lecithin supports skin and liver health
- OPTIMAL COMBINED OMEGA-3: Every Coq10 softgel contains 60 mg of omega-3s, which are imperative to promoting heart health. Omega-3s can improve sleep quality, support the eyes, skin, and brain health. Better absorption, better taste, and no fishy burps
- BENEFITS FOR STATIN USERS: CoQ10 is crucial for producing 95% of your body's energy, but levels decline with statin use. Supplementing with CoQ10 during statin therapy helps replenish lost levels, supporting energy production and overall organ function
- NATURAL AND PURE: All our products are third-party tested and are manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility. No Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners, No Sugar, No Starch, No Gluten, No Soy, No Wheat, and Sodium-free
This balanced formula combines 300mg CoQ10 with omega-3, PQQ, and BioPerine for comprehensive eye and cellular health.
The 300mg CoQ10 dose offers a middle ground between maintenance and therapeutic levels, suitable for most adults seeking dry eye relief along with cardiovascular and energy support. The omega-3 component addresses inflammation and tear quality, while CoQ10 supports the cellular energy needs of tear-producing glands. PQQ enhances mitochondrial function and BioPerine improves nutrient absorption. The 120-serving bottle provides 4 months of balanced support.
What We Like
- Balanced 300mg CoQ10 dose suitable for most users
- Combines omega-3 with cellular energy nutrients
- Enhanced absorption with BioPerine
- 4-month supply in single bottle
What Could Be Better
- Omega-3 content not clearly specified
- Multiple ingredients increase cost
Bottom Line: An excellent balanced formula providing moderate CoQ10 alongside omega-3 for dry eye relief and overall health.
7. ZEBORA CoQ10 100mg with Omega-3 — Best Moderate Support
- ENHANCED COQ10 WITH PQQ: Our CoQ10 100mg, with a 120-day supply, boosts natural CoQ10 levels for heart health. Combined with PQQ, it enhances mitochondrial energy production, vital for efficient energy and optimal heart function
- HIGH BIOAVAILABILITY: ZEBORA CoQ10 is enhanced with Black Pepper Extract and Sunflower Lecithin for superior absorption and bioavailability. Black Pepper offers antioxidant benefits, while sunflower lecithin supports skin and liver health
- OPTIMAL COMBINED OMEGA-3: Every Coq10 softgel contains 60 mg of omega-3s, which are imperative to promoting heart health. Omega-3s can improve sleep quality, support the eyes, skin, and brain health. Better absorption, better taste, and no fishy burps
- BENEFITS FOR STATIN USERS: CoQ10 is crucial for producing 95% of your body's energy, but levels decline with statin use. Supplementing with CoQ10 during statin therapy helps replenish lost levels, supporting energy production and overall organ function
- NATURAL AND PURE: All our products are third-party tested and are manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility. No Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners, No Sugar, No Starch, No Gluten, No Soy, No Wheat, and Sodium-free
This entry-level formula provides 100mg CoQ10 with omega-3 for those new to combined supplementation.
The lower 100mg CoQ10 dose makes this ideal for younger users or those just beginning CoQ10 supplementation alongside omega-3 for dry eyes. You’ll still get the anti-inflammatory and tear-supporting benefits of omega-3 plus CoQ10’s cellular energy support, but at a gentler dose suitable for maintenance rather than therapeutic intervention. The addition of PQQ and BioPerine enhances the formula’s effectiveness. The 120-softgel bottle provides an economical 4-month supply.
What We Like
- Gentle 100mg CoQ10 dose for beginners
- Omega-3 for dry eye inflammation relief
- 120 servings provide excellent value
- Non-GMO with quality ingredients
What Could Be Better
- Lower CoQ10 dose may not suit all needs
- Omega-3 amount not specified
Bottom Line: A great entry point for combining omega-3 and CoQ10 support for dry eyes at a moderate dose.
8. Vital Nutrients Ultra Pure Fish Oil 700 (120 Count) — Best Value
- Premium Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements: Support your heart, brain, and joint health, plus promote healthy triglyceride levels.* Ultra Pure Fish Oil 700 offers a potent concentration of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), key omega-3 fatty acid supplements essential for optimal well-being
- No Fish Oil Burps or Reflux: Enjoy our sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish oil supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids, delivering 720mg of EPA and 480mg of DHA in two softgels. Enhanced with a pleasant lemon flavor, it eliminates the common "fishy" aftertaste associated with other fish oil supplements*
- Clean Formula: Non-GMO. Made without artificial fillers, coatings, binders, or colors.
- Quality You Can Rely on: Our rigorous quality assurance program includes third-party independent laboratory testing of raw ingredients and finished products for purity and potency to ensure what’s on the label is in the bottle.
- Trusted by Healthcare Practitioners Worldwide: Vital Nutrients was founded 30 years ago by practitioners who set out to make a positive and lasting impact on the health of people and planet. Today, our premium line of clinically relevant, pure, clean-label formulas is trusted by healthcare practitioners and health-conscious consumers worldwide
The 120-count version of Vital Nutrients’ premium fish oil offers 2 months of sustainably sourced omega-3 support.
This larger bottle provides the same high-quality, sustainably sourced fish oil as the 60-count version but with better value for long-term dry eye management. You’ll get 700mg of combined EPA and DHA per softgel in a clean formula free from gluten, dairy, and soy. The lemon flavor prevents fishy aftertaste while the third-party testing ensures purity. For chronic dry eye sufferers who know they need consistent omega-3 support, this 2-month supply reduces reordering frequency.
What We Like
- 2-month supply reduces reordering hassle
- Same premium quality as 60-count version
- Better value per serving than smaller bottle
- Sustainably sourced with purity testing
What Could Be Better
- Larger upfront cost than 60-count option
- May need 2 softgels daily for optimal dry eye relief
Bottom Line: The best value option for those committed to long-term omega-3 supplementation for dry eye management.
How to Choose the Best Omega-3 for Dry Eyes
When selecting an omega-3 supplement for dry eyes, prioritize products providing at least 1000-2000mg combined EPA and DHA daily. Research on omega-3s for dry eye syndrome typically uses doses in this range for optimal anti-inflammatory effects and tear quality improvement. Check the supplement facts label carefully—many fish oil products contain 1000mg of fish oil but only 300-500mg of actual EPA and DHA, so you’d need multiple capsules to reach therapeutic levels.
The form of omega-3 matters significantly for absorption and effectiveness. Triglyceride (TG) form fish oil is generally considered superior to ethyl ester (EE) form because it’s more natural and better absorbed by your body. Re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form offers similar benefits to natural TG form. Krill oil provides omega-3s in phospholipid form, which some studies suggest may be even better absorbed, though it typically costs more and provides less total EPA and DHA per capsule.
Consider the EPA to DHA ratio for your specific needs. While both omega-3s benefit dry eyes, EPA provides stronger anti-inflammatory effects while DHA is particularly important for retinal health. Most quality fish oils naturally provide higher EPA than DHA, which works well for dry eye support. A ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 EPA to DHA is common and effective, though some formulas specifically boost EPA for inflammation-focused conditions.
Look for purity certifications and third-party testing. Fish can accumulate environmental contaminants like mercury, PCBs, and dioxins, so choose omega-3 supplements that have been tested and certified for purity. Organizations like IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) and USP provide third-party verification of purity and potency. Sustainable sourcing certifications from MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) ensure environmentally responsible fishing practices.
Decide between liquid and softgel forms based on your preferences. Liquid fish oil typically provides more omega-3s per dose and may be better absorbed, but requires refrigeration and has a stronger taste. Softgels offer convenience and are odorless until dissolved, making them easier for most people to take consistently. Some people find enteric-coated softgels helpful for preventing fishy burps, though quality fish oil in triglyceride form generally causes fewer digestive issues.
Benefits of Omega-3s for Dry Eye Relief
Omega-3 fatty acids address dry eye syndrome through multiple complementary mechanisms, making them one of the most effective natural approaches to this common condition. The primary benefit comes from their potent anti-inflammatory properties. EPA and DHA reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that contribute to meibomian gland dysfunction—one of the leading causes of dry eyes. By decreasing inflammation in these oil-producing glands, omega-3s help restore proper tear film composition.
The tear film consists of three layers: an outer oily layer, a middle aqueous (water) layer, and an inner mucin layer. Omega-3s specifically improve the quality of the oily layer by supporting healthy meibomian gland function. These glands line your eyelids and secrete oils that prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly. When inflammation disrupts these glands, your tears evaporate rapidly, leaving your eyes dry and irritated. Omega-3s help normalize gland function and oil secretion.
Research demonstrates that omega-3 supplementation can increase tear production and improve tear stability. Studies have shown that people taking omega-3 supplements experience less tear evaporation, longer tear breakup time (the period tears remain stable on the eye surface), and increased volume of tears. These objective improvements translate to real symptom relief—less burning, grittiness, and discomfort throughout the day.
Omega-3s also support the overall health of eye surface cells. DHA is particularly concentrated in cell membranes throughout the eye, including the cornea and retina. By incorporating into these membranes, omega-3s enhance their fluidity and function, helping maintain healthy eye surface tissue. This structural support complements the anti-inflammatory effects, providing comprehensive dry eye relief from multiple angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much omega-3 should I take for dry eyes?
Most clinical studies showing benefits for dry eye syndrome use doses of 1000-2000mg combined EPA and DHA daily, typically divided into two doses. Some research suggests you may need at least 1200mg total EPA and DHA for meaningful dry eye relief. Start with 1000-1500mg daily and increase to 2000mg if needed after 4-6 weeks. Remember to check the EPA and DHA content specifically—not just total fish oil—when calculating your dose.
How long before omega-3 helps dry eyes?
Most people notice some improvement in dry eye symptoms within 4-6 weeks of starting omega-3 supplementation, though full benefits may take 8-12 weeks. Studies typically measure outcomes at 3 months because it takes time for omega-3s to incorporate into cell membranes and reduce chronic inflammation. If you don’t notice any improvement after 3 months at an adequate dose (1500-2000mg EPA and DHA daily), omega-3s may not be sufficient for your particular dry eye cause and you should consult an eye specialist.
Is krill oil or fish oil better for dry eyes?
Both krill oil and fish oil can be effective for dry eyes, with some evidence suggesting krill oil may be better absorbed due to its phospholipid form. However, fish oil typically provides much higher amounts of EPA and DHA per capsule at a lower cost. For dry eye relief, reaching adequate omega-3 doses (1500-2000mg EPA and DHA) is most important. Krill oil works well but often requires more capsules to achieve the same omega-3 intake. Choose based on your budget and how many capsules you’re willing to take daily.
Can I take omega-3 with my dry eye prescription medication?
Generally yes, omega-3 supplements can be safely combined with prescription dry eye treatments like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), and may actually enhance their effectiveness. However, if you’re taking blood thinners like warfarin, you should consult your doctor first as omega-3s have mild blood-thinning properties. Always inform your eye doctor and primary care physician about all supplements you take to ensure safe, comprehensive dry eye management.
Will omega-3 help if my dry eyes are from Lasik or contacts?
Yes, omega-3s can be beneficial for dry eyes caused by LASIK surgery or contact lens wear. Post-LASIK dry eye often involves inflammation and reduced tear production—both of which omega-3s address. For contact lens-related dry eye, omega-3s help improve tear quality and reduce inflammation from lens wear. Many eye doctors recommend starting omega-3 supplementation before LASIK surgery and continuing afterward to support healing and minimize dry eye symptoms.
Should I take omega-3 if I have Sjögren’s syndrome?
Omega-3 supplementation can be particularly helpful for Sjögren’s syndrome patients, who often experience severe dry eyes due to autoimmune inflammation affecting tear glands. The anti-inflammatory properties of EPA and DHA may help reduce the chronic inflammation characteristic of Sjögren’s. However, omega-3s should complement, not replace, medical management of Sjögren’s syndrome. Work with your rheumatologist and ophthalmologist to integrate omega-3s into a comprehensive treatment plan.
Are there any side effects from omega-3 supplements?
Omega-3 supplements are generally well-tolerated at doses used for dry eyes (1500-2000mg EPA and DHA daily). Some people experience mild digestive upset, fishy burps, or loose stools, especially when first starting. Taking omega-3s with meals and choosing enteric-coated or triglyceride-form supplements can minimize these issues. High doses (over 3000mg daily) may increase bleeding risk in some people. Those taking blood thinners should consult their doctor before starting omega-3 supplementation.
Can I get enough omega-3 from food to help dry eyes?
While eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines provides beneficial omega-3s, reaching the therapeutic doses shown effective for dry eyes (1500-2000mg EPA and DHA) through diet alone requires substantial fish consumption—about 3-4 servings weekly. Most people find it more practical and consistent to use supplements to ensure adequate omega-3 intake for dry eye relief, while still enjoying fish as part of a healthy diet. Supplements also allow precise dosing and avoid potential contaminants in some fish.
