Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealth BenefitsSide EffectsDosageWhat to Look ForConsiderationsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
Side Effects
Dosage
What to Look For
Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry eye syndromeis a common condition associated with a burning, stinging sensation in the eyes, blurred vision, red or irritated eyes, and an uncomfortable feeling as if something is in the eye.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them well lubricated and healthy. Aging, hormonal changes, allergies, the environment, excessive screen time, and certain medical conditions are all common causes of dry eye.
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Eye drops and ointments are commonly used to treat dry eye syndrome. Many people also turn to alternative remedies for relief. Fish oil—derived from the tissues of oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel—is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have proven benefits for eye health.
Read on to learn more about how fish oil may help reduce symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Omega-3s in fish oil offer a number of health benefits thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
There are three primary omega-3s that are beneficial for body and brain health:
These potent nutrients have been extensively studied and have been found to lower the risk of chronic diseases, including arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.
A 2019 review of 34 different studies found that omega-3 supplementation may help manage dry eye disease, but the evidence is inconsistent.
Researchers continue to explore the effects of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids on preventing and treating eye-related conditions.
Vitamins and Minerals for Eye Health
Possible Side Effects
Fish oil is generally considered to be safe for most adults. Mild side effects include bad breath, foul-smelling sweat, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, heartburn, and nausea.
Omega-3 supplements (including fish oil) may interact with medications for blood clotting, so speak with your healthcare provider before trying fish oil if you are taking any prescription medications.
Seafood AllergiesIf you are allergic to seafood, it is uncertain if you can safely take fish oil supplements. Err on the side of caution and speak with your healthcare provider before using fish oil.
Seafood Allergies
If you are allergic to seafood, it is uncertain if you can safely take fish oil supplements. Err on the side of caution and speak with your healthcare provider before using fish oil.
Dosage and Preparation
There is currently no recommended dosage for daily intake of fish oil. However, there are guidelines to recommend 1.6 grams of alpha-linolenic acid (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) per day for men and 1.1 grams per day for women.
There is currently no recommended daily allowance for other types of omega-3s, such as EPA and DHA. However, a 250–500 milligram (mg) daily intake of EPA and DHA combined is enough for most adults.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the appropriate dosage for you.
If you’d rather not use fish oil dietary supplements, you can try adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids through natural sources (e.g., salmon, mackerel, sardines) may help stimulate tear production and lubricate the eyes.
Taking flaxseed oil or other omega-3 supplements may also be effective.
It’s best to take fish oil supplements with a meal that contains fat, as fat increases the body’s absorption of omega-3s.
Omega-3s From All SourcesYour intake of omega-3s from all sources (food and supplements) counts toward the daily recommended dosage. In other words, if you eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and take a supplement, you could go over the daily recommendation.
Omega-3s From All Sources
Your intake of omega-3s from all sources (food and supplements) counts toward the daily recommended dosage. In other words, if you eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and take a supplement, you could go over the daily recommendation.
Fish oil is available in capsule and liquid forms at health food stores, grocery stores, and some drugstores. With so many options available, it’s important to remember that not all fish oils are created equal. Always read the label carefully when shopping for fish oil/omega-3 supplements.
Check for the following:
SustainabilityFish stocks are declining for certain species, so aim to purchase fish oil that comes from sustainable sources. Look for fish oil that the Marine Conservation Society orEnvironmental Defense Fundhas certified.
Sustainability
Fish stocks are declining for certain species, so aim to purchase fish oil that comes from sustainable sources. Look for fish oil that the Marine Conservation Society orEnvironmental Defense Fundhas certified.
Important Considerations
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare provider before using fish oil. Some types of fish contain heavy metals such as mercury, which is potentially dangerous for pregnant people.
A Word From Verywell
Dry eye syndrome can be a painful condition that impacts your quality of life. Fish oil may help improve eye health, but research results are inconsistent on just how beneficial it is for dry eye syndrome. It is possible to get enough omega-3s from food sources, such as sardines, salmon, and mackerel. Be sure to follow any treatments your healthcare provider has recommended.
The National Academy of Medicine recommends 1.6 grams of alpha-linolenic acid (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) per day for men and 1.1 grams per day for women.There is currently no recommended daily allowance for other types of omega-3s, such as EPA and DHA. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that a 250–500 mg daily intake of EPA and DHA combined is enough for most adults.
The omega-3s in fish oil make it potentially helpful for reducing dry eyes. Other supplements and vitamins may also be beneficial for eye health. Flaxseed oil, vitamin C, and vitamin E have been used due to their antioxidant properties that may be helpful in reducing dry eye.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?Gammone MA, Riccioni G, Parrinello G, D’Orazio N.Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport.Nutrients. 2018;11(1):46. doi:10.3390/nu11010046Merle BM, Benlian P, Puche N, et al.Circulating omega-3 Fatty acids and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014;55(3):2010-2019. doi:10.1167/iovs.14-13916Downie LE, Ng SM, Lindsley KB, Akpek EK.Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids for dry eye disease. Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011016.pub2Asbell PA, Maguire MG, Peskin E, Bunya VY, Kuklinski EJ.Dry eye assessment and management (Dream©) study: study design and baseline characteristics.Contemporary Clinical Trials. 2018;71:70-79. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2018.06.002National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Omega-3 supplements in-depth.National Institutes of Health.Omega-3 fatty acids.USDA.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.Coletta JM, Bell SJ, Roman AS.Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 3(4):163-171.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Treatment of dry eye with supplements.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?Gammone MA, Riccioni G, Parrinello G, D’Orazio N.Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport.Nutrients. 2018;11(1):46. doi:10.3390/nu11010046Merle BM, Benlian P, Puche N, et al.Circulating omega-3 Fatty acids and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014;55(3):2010-2019. doi:10.1167/iovs.14-13916Downie LE, Ng SM, Lindsley KB, Akpek EK.Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids for dry eye disease. Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011016.pub2Asbell PA, Maguire MG, Peskin E, Bunya VY, Kuklinski EJ.Dry eye assessment and management (Dream©) study: study design and baseline characteristics.Contemporary Clinical Trials. 2018;71:70-79. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2018.06.002National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Omega-3 supplements in-depth.National Institutes of Health.Omega-3 fatty acids.USDA.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.Coletta JM, Bell SJ, Roman AS.Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 3(4):163-171.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Treatment of dry eye with supplements.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?Gammone MA, Riccioni G, Parrinello G, D’Orazio N.Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport.Nutrients. 2018;11(1):46. doi:10.3390/nu11010046Merle BM, Benlian P, Puche N, et al.Circulating omega-3 Fatty acids and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014;55(3):2010-2019. doi:10.1167/iovs.14-13916Downie LE, Ng SM, Lindsley KB, Akpek EK.Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids for dry eye disease. Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011016.pub2Asbell PA, Maguire MG, Peskin E, Bunya VY, Kuklinski EJ.Dry eye assessment and management (Dream©) study: study design and baseline characteristics.Contemporary Clinical Trials. 2018;71:70-79. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2018.06.002National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Omega-3 supplements in-depth.National Institutes of Health.Omega-3 fatty acids.USDA.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.Coletta JM, Bell SJ, Roman AS.Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 3(4):163-171.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Treatment of dry eye with supplements.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is dry eye?
Gammone MA, Riccioni G, Parrinello G, D’Orazio N.Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport.Nutrients. 2018;11(1):46. doi:10.3390/nu11010046
Merle BM, Benlian P, Puche N, et al.Circulating omega-3 Fatty acids and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014;55(3):2010-2019. doi:10.1167/iovs.14-13916
Downie LE, Ng SM, Lindsley KB, Akpek EK.Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids for dry eye disease. Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011016.pub2
Asbell PA, Maguire MG, Peskin E, Bunya VY, Kuklinski EJ.Dry eye assessment and management (Dream©) study: study design and baseline characteristics.Contemporary Clinical Trials. 2018;71:70-79. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2018.06.002
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Omega-3 supplements in-depth.
National Institutes of Health.Omega-3 fatty acids.
USDA.Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.
Coletta JM, Bell SJ, Roman AS.Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 3(4):163-171.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Treatment of dry eye with supplements.
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