Oral supplementation with a nutraceutical formulation containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a large series of patients with dry eye symptoms: results of a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the benefits and tolerability of a dietary supplement based on omega-3 fatty acids to relieve dry eye symptoms.


METHODS
A total of 1,419 patients (74.3% women, mean age 58.9 years) with dry eye syndrome using artificial tears participated in a 12-week prospective study. Patients were instructed to take 3 capsules/day of the nutraceutical formulation (Brudysec(®) 1.5 g). Study variables were dry eye symptoms (scratchy and stinging sensation, eye redness, grittiness, painful and tired eyes, grating sensation, and blurry vision), conjunctival hyperemia, tear breakup time (TBUT), Schrimer I test, and Oxford grading scheme.


RESULTS
At 12 weeks, each dry eye symptom improved significantly (P<0.001), and the use of artificial tears decreased significantly from 3.77 (standard deviation [SD] =2.08) at baseline to 3.45 (SD =1.72) (P<0.01). In addition, the Schirmer test scores and the TBUT increased significantly, and there was an increase in patients grading 0-I in the Oxford scale and a decrease of those grading IV-V. Significant differences in improvements of dry eye symptoms were also found in compliant versus noncompliant patients as well as in those with moderate/severe versus none/mild conjunctival hyperemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral ω-3 fatty acids supplementation was an effective treatment for dry eye symptoms.
Cornea and Ocular Surface Department, Institut Català de Retina, Barcelona, Spain.
Jordi
J
Gatell-Tortajada
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013030:Spain; D013666:Tears; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000975:Antioxidants; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins
artificial tears; dry eye symptoms; eye discomfort; nutraceutical supplement; ocular inflammation; omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids