How much Omega 3 should I take for dry eye?

Simple question but the answer is a bit complex.  Omega 3 supplements vary widely in their potency.

The following information is what I recommend in clinic.  It is not applicable to everyone and talk to your eye care provider for more individualized information.

STEP 1 - Look at the label of your Omega 3 supplement and find these numbers:

Serving Size:  e.g. 1,2,4 capsules
Capsule Size: e.g. 500mg to 1200mg
EPA content and DHA content in mg.

Ignore the serving size initially and find the EPA + DHA total

For dry eye, this total (EPA+DHA) needs to be 1000mg per day.  Then figure out how many servings that you need to get ~1000mg/day of EPA + DHA

I often recommended up to 2000mg/day (EPA+DHA).  The take away here is that the capsule size is irrelevant.

The form of the Omega 3 is important for bio-availability and triglyceride form is preferred.

See example below

On the above Krill Omega 3 label...  one capsule (serving) has 75mg (EPA) + 45mg (DHA) = 120mg.   For dry eye therapy I recommend >1000mg/day so... you would need 1000/120 = 8.33 ~ 8 capsules a day.  (That's a lot!)

On this PRN De Omega 3 label ...

...one serving is 4 capsules which delivers 920 mg (EPA) + 920 mg (DHA) = 1840mg.

I would recommend 2-3 capsules of the PRN high potency product.

You can buy PRN and other Omega 3 product from mEYEspa.

Liquid Omega 3's generally have high potency and usually 1/2 a teaspoon will achieve the ~1000mg guideline but check the label.

Most important TIP...  Take with food!  Without food, even the best Omega 3 will not absorb properly and not deliver the desired result!

Dr. J

PS Looking for eye drop product recommendations?   Try the mEYEspa product guidance quiz