AN OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENT CAN ADDRESS INADEQUACIES IN DIET

“Nutrition Focus” presents an optometrist’s first-hand experiences with a new or reformulated vitamin or supplement.

IN THE Western world, we talk a lot about the food we eat. Is it organic? Is it healthy? But we rarely ask: Does my diet contain enough omega-3s? The typical Western diet is out of balance at about 20:1 as compared with the 1:1 natural balance of omega-6, or inflammatory fatty acid, to omega-3 or anti-inflammatory fatty acid, according to The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, published March 2016.

This imbalance creates adverse health issues, such as arthritis, obesity and cardiovascular disease, it can also result in dry eye disease (DED), a condition that occurs when the eyes are insufficiently moisturized. When the meibomian glands in the eyelids malfunction, the lipid component of the tear film can be reduced, allowing rapid evaporation of aqueous from the tear complex. If the glands’ secretions become trapped inside the glands, inflammation and bacteria can follow, worsening the DED, according to the 2008 edition of Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society. This is known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Studies have shown any factor that disrupts the ocular surface environment will lead to tear dysfunction and an increase in osmolar concentration of the tear film, according to a 2016 study by Alice Epitropoulos, M.D., F.A.C.S. Tear osmolarity testing can provide crucial information about DED severity and can be useful in identifying patients at risk for DED before LASIK and cataract surgery. One product that can aid in providing patients with omega-3 nutritional supplementation to improve tear osmolarity and omega index levels is PRN’s Dry Eye Omega Benefits.

“A pre-surgical dosing of PRN omega-3s has made a significant impact on the outcomes of my cataract and refractive surgery patients,” says Dr. Eric Donnenfeld, of Ophthalmic Consultants, Long Island, N.Y.

OVERVIEW

The supplement contains a re-esterified triglyceride omega-3 essential fatty acid, composed of 1680mg EPA and 560mg DHA, to normalize the composition of the oil in the meibum.

As shown in Dr. Epitropoulos’s study, this form of omega-3, when taken as part of a daily nutritional regimen, showed statistical improvement after six weeks and normalization after 12 weeks. It was also shown that omega-3 supplementation increased cataract surgery success and patient satisfaction. Candidates for omega-3 supplementation will have a reduced number of glands secreting oil or glands that secrete meibum, thickened or milky oil.

PRN’s Dry Eye Omega Benefits is available in capsule or liquid form. The supplement is available only through a practitioner’s office or through the PRN website.

PATIENT COMMUNICATION

When discussing omega-3 supplementation with the patient, discuss both the ocular and the systemic benefits of using it as a daily supplement. The likelihood of patient compliance is increased when doctors and staff can relate their experiences. OM

Dr. Donnenfeld is a consultant for PRN Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals. Dr. Planitz is not and has not received financial compensation from the company.

DR. PLANITZ is in private practice in Rio Rancho, N.M., at a Dry Eye Center of Excellence. She serves as the Vision Source Administrator for New Mexico and chairs the Federal Legislative Action and Keyperson Committee for the AOA. Dr. Planitz is Diplomate of the ABO. Email her at drplanitz@visionsourcerio.com, or visit tinyurl.com/OMComment .