Omega-3 Supplement; A Comparison of Recommendations

Abstract

Purpose: Research has shown Omega-3 supplementation can benefit dry eye patients. Our objective is to aid optometrists in the treatment of dry eye syndrome by summarizing the recommendations for oral Omega-3 supplements. Methods: We sent an online survey consisting of ten questions to optometrists affiliated with the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) and the Facebook groups ODs on Facebook and Corporate Optometry to see if they are recommending Omega-3 supplements, which specific products, and at what dosage. Results: Ninety-five optometrists responded. 43.16% stated that their dry eye patients number between 26-50% of their practice. 60% responded they recommend Omega-3 supplements, and 37.89% said they tell their patients to increase their dietary fish intake and take Omega-3 supplements. 50% of eye care physicians responded that they sell dry eye supplements. When asked about how familiar optometrists are with the different forms of Omega-3 fatty acids, 30.85% stated they are very familiar, while 54.26% stated they are somewhat familiar and 14.89% stated they are not familiar at all with the differ-ent types. Conclusion: We found that the majority of optometrists who responded to our survey are recommending their patients consume between 1500-2000 milligrams of Omega-3’s per day for dry eye. Many health professionals uphold that at least 1,000 mg/day of EPA and DHA should be consumed to aid in improving systemic health. In the absence of stan-dards specifically for dry eye it is reasonable to base Omega-3 supplement recommenda-tions on those for systemic health.