Eyes

DHA is packed into photoreceptor cell membranes in the eye—in fact, a whopping 93% of Omega-3s in the retina are DHA, which plays a critical role in visual signal transmission. Research shows it helps maintain healthy retinal blood vessels and protects eye tissue from oxidative stress [1].

On top of that, studies suggest that higher DHA intake is associated with healthier retinal function as you age [2]. As you get older, maintaining adequate DHA levels becomes even more important for preserving vision. Because your body can't produce DHA efficiently, it has to come from what you eat or from supplements.

Yes, research shows that Omega-3 supplementation significantly improves dry eye symptoms [3]. In trials with mild-to-moderate dry eye patients, those taking EPA+DHA saw marked improvements in tear secretion, tear film stability, and dry eye symptom scores [4,5]. 

Continuing to take Omega-3 supplements after LASIK surgery can help manage the associated dry eye symptoms [6].

How does it work? Omega-3s reduce inflammation on the eye's surface and improve the function of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing oils to keep your tears from evaporating too quickly [7]. If you struggle with that gritty, irritated feeling from dry eyes, Omega-3s can help by restoring balance to your tear film.

EPA and DHA are both Omega-3 fatty acids that support good eye health, especially when taken together. DHA is the primary Omega-3 in your retina, making it essential for maintaining photoreceptor cells and visual function. EPA plays more of a supporting role, providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

Together, EPA and DHA can alleviate oxidative stress-related damage in the eye, protecting the retina as you age and safeguarding against diseases like macular degeneration [8]. Research also suggests that supplementary EPA plus DHA taken daily produces significant improvements in dry eye symptoms [9].

DHA is packed into photoreceptor cell membranes in the eye—in fact, a whopping 93% of Omega-3s in the retina are DHA, which plays a critical role in visual signal transmission. Research shows it helps maintain healthy retinal blood vessels and protects eye tissue from oxidative stress [1].

On top of that, studies suggest that higher DHA intake is associated with healthier retinal function as you age [2]. As you get older, maintaining adequate DHA levels becomes even more important for preserving vision. Because your body can't produce DHA efficiently, it has to come from what you eat or from supplements.

1. Shindou, H., et al. (3 June 2017). Docosahexaenoic Acid Preserves Visual Function by Maintaining Correct Disc Morphology in Retinal Photoreceptor Cells. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5519357/
2. SanGiovanni, J., et al. (24 January 2005). The Role of Omega-3 Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Health and Disease of the Retina. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15555528/
3. Wang, W., et al. (10 November 2023). Efficacy of Omega-3 Intake in Managing Dry Eye Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38002640/
4. Kangari, H., et al. (1 May 2013). Short-term Consumption of Oral Omega-3 and Dry Eye Syndrome. Ophthalmology. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23642375/
5. Epitropoulos, A., et al. (September 2016). Effect of Oral Re-esterified Omega-3 Nutritional Supplementation on Dry Eyes. Cornea. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27442314/
6. Goyal, P., Jain, A.K., Malhotra, C. (February 2017). Oral Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis-Associated Dry Eye. Cornea. Retrieved February 13, 2026, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28060063/
7. Oleñik, A., et al. (30 August 2013). A Randomized, Double-masked Study to Evaluate the Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Clinical Interventions in Aging. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24039409/
8. Zeppieri, M., et al. (24 December 2024). Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): A Targeted Antioxidant Strategy to Counter Oxidative Stress in Retinopathy. Antioxidants. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39857340/
9. Bhargava, R., et al. (16 February 2015). Oral Omega-3 Fatty Acids Treatment in Computer Vision Syndrome Related Dry Eye. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye: The Journal of the British Contact Lens Association. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25697893/
10. Lem, D., et al. (27 September 2022). Can Nutrition Play a Role in Ameliorating Digital Eye Strain? Nutrients. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9570730/