English

Abstract

Two group of 50 patients each of DES were taken for study with schirmer's test - 1 value of <7 mm/ 5min .Group A received artificial tear & nutritional supplements of EFAs for 8 weeks and Group B received artificial tears only for 8 week . Study reveals that dietary intervention with omega- 3 fatty acid not only causes symptomatic improvement but also betters clinical markers of dry eye as seen by a positive drift in primary and secondary outcome measures. There is a likely improvement in inherent stability of the tear film as seen by the larger TBUT drift and CIC scores. This paper will discuss the results in detail. INTRODUCTION: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disease, affecting tears and the ocular surface. It is accompanied by increased osmolarity of tear film, and inflammation of the ocular surface.(1)-(3) Despite recent advances in understanding the etiopathogenesis of DES, there remain a lacuna in diagnosis, prevention and definitive treatment. DES is a common problem worldwide and can reduce the working efficiency of an individual. Dry eye is therefore a frequent reason that patient present to eye care clinics. Common patient's complaints related to dry eye include reduced vision, difficulty reading, difficulty driving at night and difficulty doing computer work.(5) Most diagnostic tests for dry eye are poorly standardized, making compare between studies tenuous at best. A generally agreed upon 'gold standard' still does not exist. Additionally, some of these tests are poorly associated with subjective symptoms. (6)-(7)