THE EFFECT OF OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENTS IN COMPARISON WITH WARM COMPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH DRY EYE DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition affecting tear film stability and ocular surface health, leading to discomfort, visual impairment, and reduced quality of life. Among treatment options, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been proposed as an alternative to traditional therapies such as warm compression. Omega-3 plays a role in reducing ocular inflammation and improving meibomian gland function, whereas warm compression enhances lipid secretion and tear film stability. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these two interventions in alleviating DED symptoms and improving tear film dynamics.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation and warm compression therapy in improving tear function and reducing dry eye symptoms.

Methods: A hospital-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 140 young adults diagnosed with mild to moderate DED. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: one group received omega-3 supplementation (500 mg eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 250 mg docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] daily for one month), while the other underwent warm compression therapy for one week. OSDI scores, Schirmer test, and tear break-up time (TBUT) were assessed at baseline and after intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.

Results: Baseline OSDI score was 25.58 ± 5.091, which reduced to 12.86 ± 3.972 post-treatment, indicating symptom improvement. Schirmer test values increased from 9.58 mm to 14.74 mm, and TBUT improved from 6.24 seconds to 12.26 seconds. The mean post-treatment OSDI score was lower in the omega-3 group (11.61 ± 3.432) compared to the warm compression group (14.10 ± 4.108). Omega-3 supplementation demonstrated superior efficacy in improving tear production and tear film stability compared to warm compression.

Conclusion: Both interventions effectively alleviated DED symptoms; however, omega-3 supplementation provided greater improvements in tear function and ocular surface stability. These findings suggest that omega-3 may serve as a more effective therapeutic option for managing mild to moderate DED.