The 107 participants (average age of 67) had dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. They had received cataract surgery in South Korea within 3 months before the start of the study.

The participants were assigned to supplement with either 2,000 mg of omega-3s (re-esterified triglyceride form; 1,142 mg of EPA and 858 mg of DHA) or nothing (the control) daily. All participants in both groups used artificial tears.

Tear breakup time — the primary outcome — improved more in the omega-3 group. Tear breakup time is a measure of how long it takes for an eye to become dry after blinking.

Dry eye symptoms — the secondary outcomes — improved more in the omega-3 group, according to evidence from 2 questionnaires. Also, corneal surface integrity improved more in the omega-3 group, but there were no apparent differences between groups for meibomian gland function.

Does supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids improve dry eye? Original paper