Omega 3 supplement for dry eyes

[YDdraigGoch]

I've just been recommended Omega 3 supplement by an eye consultant - says it will help with my dry eyes.

He's recommended a brand called Omega Eye, which isn't available on prescription, and which costs £82 for a 3 months supply.

Has anyone found that Omega 3 DOES help with dry eyes, and has anyone used a cheaper Omega 3 tablet? I'm a bit reluctant to fork out £82!

For the eyes omega 3 has an anti-inflammatory effect and augments the lipid layer of the tears,which is the layer that stops the tears evaporating too quickly - the main cause of dry eyes is this evaporation.
I would definitely try it, but it is expected it can take a couple of months before it helps.

Thanks Sun. Will any old Omega 3 do? Do you know whether there is anything special about the particular (expensive) brand called Omega Eye that was recommended to me this morning?

This claims to be good for dry eyes; I used it myself a few years ago but not for dry eyes.
Contains omegas 7,6,3 and 9. Not sure how it compares costwise.

It has added zeaxanthin and lutein which are supplements for macula health, so good for the retina but unless you have a family history of macula degeneration or any early signs yourself these aren't really necessary with respect to the dry eye. The omega 3 at 1000mg is higher than some other eye supplements (with added omega 3) sold by say Boots which have 500mg. Perhaps search 1000mg omega 3 eye supplements from a reputable supplier.

What else have you been advised to use for your dry eyes?

I'm currently using Dexamethosone steroid drops every other day (been on those for some years) and Doxycycline daily (for 9 months). Every time I try to stop the steroids my eyes flare up again.
I use Hylo-tear lubricant drops during the day and lacrilube at night.
I've been under the eye clinic for years, and this was the first time anyone has mentioned omega 3.
Bought some 1000mg from Sainsbos this eve for a lot cheaper than the Omega Eye recommended.

Doc wants me to come off the antibiotics and reduce steroid drops to every 3 days instead of every 2 days, but I'm reluctant.
I also have blepharitis.

Have you stopped the heat with an eye bag, eyelid massage and blephawipes along with the steroids and antibiotics?
You definitely sound like you have a really bad case. The steroids they are therefore worried about the side effects of long term use.

I was advised yesterday to do the eyelid massage and wipe thing - this hasn't been suggested previously.
I've been back and fro to the hospital every six months or so for several years - see a different doctor each time, and each time get different advice. It's like they all have their own pet theories about how to treat the condition.

I'm on a low, maintenance dose of steroids now, and so far no side effects - which is mainly high pressure in the eye. I don't have this though.

I'm ging to try Omega 3, and the blepharitis routine, but not going to come off the ABs nor the steroids until after my hol next week - because I'm pretty sure eyes will flare up again as soon as I stop drops.

Thanks for your help.

Definitely do the eye bag(not a warm flannel). You can buy this cheaper from amazon.

You need to use this heat to open the meibomian glands on the eyelid margin-these working correctly replenishes the lipid layer which stops the tears evaporating and the eye getting dry ( think how oil sits on top of water).

Then massage the eyelids to release the oil ( google the technique if you aren't sure how) and use some blephawipes (not diluted baby shampoo bicarb of soda as these are too abrasive and can make it worse) to clean the eyelid margin.Do this every day along with using your lubricant drops and omega 3 supplement.

It does really work if done regularly, although it can take a couple of months. Sounds like your advice from the hospital this time was better.

I would tailor off the steroids after your holiday, like you say you don't want a flare up.

Many thanks for the advice. You sound like you know what you're talking about. Are you qualified in eyes?? :-)

Just wanted to ask - do you also ever have dry mouth or joint stiffness? Severe dry eyes can be a real warning of Sjogren's Syndrome. It's an Autoimmune condition that can be treated - my dgm had it and I'm borderline for it. Definitive test is a lip biopsy though - hurts and leaves you with a numb patch!

Flax seed oil is a good omega 3 for dry eyes, you can get in capsule or buy the seeds from a health food shop. Found it very beneficial after laser eye surgery which left me with dry eye for a while. And it's a lot cheaper than some specific eye vitamins.

Yes.. eyes are my speciality .

Good point Weegiemum, although I hope the hospital would have checked your symptoms with you for this YDdraighGoch with you having been attending for a while.

Hope you have a good holiday.

No dry mouth or joint stiffness.

And I haven't been checked for that syndrome, no. Was checked for thyroid problems though.

Can I gatecrash please? Had eye surgery recently and now I'm on eye drops to treat high iop - (as well as dexamethasone) My eye is getting dry and irritated. Not due to go back for another couple of weeks. Is there anything I can get from the chemist that will soothe without interacting with my meds?

(And needs to be preservative free too)

Just looked on Amazon at that eyebag thing; I'd check the reviews before buying it as it seems it's filled with linseeds and can't be washed.

Not something I'd want to put on my eyes on a regular basis.

ShotgunNotDoingThePans.
As it was devised by a consultant ophthalmologist and has medical device testing I quite am sure it is safe. Microwaving before use each time would kill any bacteria and it is recommended it is replaced after about 12 weeks or if it becomes frayed.

OhYouBadBadKitten.
You could try the optex actimist spray or blink preservative free drops. Just check with the pharmacist in your local chemist.

I use the Boots vegetarian Omega 3 (flaxseed oil 1000mg) and their intensive tears eye drops.

I use a hot flannel every morning.

I didn't get on with the actimist spray which just made my eyes itchy.

Thank you sunandstars, I'll give it a go, found it hard to open my eye lid this morning it was so dry.