Use of Dietary Supplementation Ineffective in Treating Dry Eye Disease

In a randomized clinical trial, researchers found that re-esterified (rTG) ω-3 fatty acid did not benefit patients with dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Taking ω-3 supplements has been known to reduce symptoms of DED associated with MGD, but other research has shown that treating DED with ω-3 fatty acid was ineffective.

For their investigation, researchers conducted a double-masked, parallel group, randomized clinical trial that included 132 patients across seven institutions from September 2020 through January 2023. Of the 132 patients, 16 were lost to follow-up and one patient withdrew. Patients with DED associated with MGD were randomly assigned to receive either ω-3 (n = 58), where they received 1680 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 560 mg of docosahexaenoic acid, or 3000 mg of grape-seed oil daily (n = 57). Both groups completed 12 weeks of follow-up.

Following treatment, researchers found there were no differences in compliance with ω-3 supplementation (95.8%) and grape-seed oil (95.4%). The Ocular Surface Index from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks—the primary end point for the trial—was -20.5 (16.0) and -22.7 (15.7), respectively in the ω-3 group and -15.1 (20.2) and -18.8 (21.7), respectively, in the grape-seed oil group.

Additionally, there were no changes in safety parameters or adverse events related to dietary supplementation in either group.

This study had limitations. The authors recognized that their study included short follow-up times and small sample sizes. Additionally, not having a placebo control group in the study could limit how the results are interpreted, the authors explained.

“This randomized clinical trial did not show a benefit of the rTG form of ω-3 for ameliorating symptoms of DED associated with MGD, although fewer than 60 participants were evaluated in each group,” the researchers concluded. “Additional clinical trials would be needed to determine if systemic rTG ω-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment option for DED associated with MGD.”

Reference:

Eom Y, Jun I, Jeon HS, et al. Re-esterified triglyceride ω-3 fatty acids in dry eye disease with meibomian gland dysfunction. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024; 142(7):617-624. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.1482