Omega-3 fatty acids relieve sore eyes

When your body can’t make its fair share of tears, you are left with itching, burning and irritation that leaves you feeling like you just washed your eyes out with a bucket of sand.

Fishy rescue

Despite the irritation and frustration of suffering with eyes that are constantly dry, you are also at risk of some serious complications.

For those suffering with a disorder called severe dry eye syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca), significant drying of the surface of the eye can lead to an increased risk of serious infections. Ultimately, scarring, thinning, and even perforation (the formation of small holes) of the cornea may occur. As a result, vision, or even the eye itself, may be permanently lost.

Menopause can increase the risk of dry eye syndrome. Paradoxically, postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy, especially oestrogens alone, have a higher prevalence of dry eyes than postmenopausal women taking no hormones.

Occupational and environmental factors increasing risk include low humidity, high room temperature, wind exposure, pollution and poor air quality, smoking, and decreased blink rates due to sustained computer use or reading.

Diseases associated with dry eyes include vitamin A deficiency, autoimmune/connective tissue disease, hepatitis C infection and diabetes.

If severe dry eyes have you seeing red, you’re going to be crying tears of joy thanks to a new study that found that a simple course of omega-3 fatty acids may be all you need to bring your irritated eyes the fast and permanent relief they’ve been begging for!

In a study, published in the journal Cornea, researchers asked 38 post-menopausal women with severe dry eyes to spend 24 weeks taking a blend of fatty acids, including GLA, DHA and EPA, or a placebo.

After just six months supplementing with fatty acids, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room ? literally. The fatty acids reduced inflammation, dramatically soothed irritated eyes, and even helped volunteers’ corneas stay smooth.

Of course, we’ve been telling you for years about the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which can protect everything from your eyesight to your ticker.

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Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

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Sources:

Supplement with omega fatty acids promising for 30 million dry eye sufferers (eurekalert.org)