Common treatments for dry eyes include OTC drops and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, some opt for fish oil because it contains omega-3 fatty acids that may support eye health. That said, the research on this is mixed.

Fresh tears spread across your eyes each time you blink. They’re essential for lubricating the eyes so you can see clearly and clearing away debris.

Dry eyes can occur if there are not enough tears or if the tears lack the right balance of water, oil, and mucus to spread evenly without evaporating too quickly.

Dry eyes can burn, sting, or feel scratchy or irritated. They can also result in blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and eventually damage to the eye. Causes can include age, inflammation, diabetes, and certain medications.

So can fish oil help? Read on to learn what the research says.

Fish oil is made by extracting two types of omega-3 fatty acids from the skin of oily fish like mackerel or salmon. These omega-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are important for several bodily functions. DHA and EPA are part of every cell in the human body. They’re also the building blocks of important chemical regulators.

In theory, omega-3s may help improve the eye’s oil production for tears while also reducing inflammation around the eye.

While this may benefit general eye health, the research findings on whether mega-3s can help improve eye dryness are mixed.

Similarly, a 2020 Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) study found that people with dry eyes who took omega-3 supplements for 12 months and then stopped taking them for another 12 months did not see a significant worsening in symptoms compared to those who didn’t stop the supplement.

Some controversy exists over the true benefits of fish oil and its risks. One older study claims that certain fatty acids may cause prostate cancer. Still, newer research has not affirmed this link to cancer, in fact suggesting that omega-3s might even offer a protective mechanism when it comes to the disease.

Similarly, research to suggest that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce the risk of stroke or sudden death has not yet proven consistent.

Since the research is mixed, talking with your doctor before taking fish oil is a good idea.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends consuming 1.1-1.6 grams (g) of omega-3 fatty acids each day, whereas the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests incorporating two servings of fish (about 3-4 ounces (oz)) per week for better heart health.

For example, it would take approximately 4-5 oz of Atlantic salmon to meet the recommended amount of 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements usually offer around 300 milligrams (mg) per pill, but dosages may vary.

There is little evidence that a much higher daily dose — 2,000 mg of EPA and 1,000 mg of DHA — improves results.

There are also indications that too much of a good thing is possible, as too much fish oil may lead to a greater chance of bleeding and other problems.

When you hear “fish oil,” you might picture a little yellow gel capsule or liquid available over the counter at most drugstores.

Supplements are certainly one way to add fish oil to your diet. Yet some researchers believe that food should be your main source of omega-3 fatty acids. You can get them by eating fatty fish like salmon, albacore tuna, and mackerel.

If you eat fish on a weekly basis, you probably get enough fish oil in your diet. Getting a steady amount of omega-3 fatty acids is an important thing.

Fish oil vs. flaxseed oil

Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids is generally good for your health, including lowering your chance of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. But it’s important to note that not all omega-3s are equal.

You can also find these fatty acids in foods like walnuts, flax, and chia seeds. However, while foods like flax seeds contain omega-3s, they’re a different kind called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

The body can convert ALA into needed EPA and DHA, but this process is inefficient: Less than 15% of ALA makes the conversion.

This means getting a decent amount of EPA and DHA from a marine rather than a plant source is much easier. Notably, people who don’t consume fish may turn to algae-based alternatives.

What is the best supplement for extremely dry eyes?

There isn’t necessarily one supplement for dry eye that is better than another. Supplements that may support eye health include vitamins A, D, and B12.

Which oil is best for dry eyes?

There’s some evidence that castor oil eye drops may help relieve eye drops, but it’s a good idea to ask your doctor before trying it out.

In general, fish oil may have some benefits for dry eyes. But you don’t have to take fish oil supplements to get omega-3 fatty acids. The best way is to eat a healthy diet that includes at least two servings of fish per week.

You should also talk with your doctor about other treatments for dry eyes, such as prescription medications, eye drops, and lifestyle changes.