PARIS—Supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can reduce expression of a conjunctival inflammatory marker and may help improve symptoms of dry eye syndrome (DES), according to new research published Aug. 11 online ahead of print in Acta Ophthalmology.
The double-masked, parallel-group, controlled study was conducted in nine centers in France and Italy, and involved 138 adult patients with mild to moderate DES. The subjects were randomized to receive a placebo containing medium-chain triglycerides or treatment supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and zinc. The protocol involved three capsules taken daily for three months. At baseline and three months, researchers assessed the percentage of cells expressing the inflammatory marker HLA-DR and evaluated fluorescence intensity, an alternate measure of HLA-DR, in addition to assessing dry eye symptoms and objective signs.
While researchers found no major protocol differences, there was a significant reduction in the percentage of HLA-DR-positive cells in the patients taking fatty acid supplements, in addition to reduced HLA-DR expression in the supplement group. They found no significant difference for the signs and symptoms, but there was a tendency for improvement in patients receiving the fatty acids treatment.
