Oral Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

Oral Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

The investigators hypothesize that oral omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) will decrease dry-eye related symptoms as well as clinical markers associated with dry eye disease (Schirmer-1 test values, positive vital staining with lissamine green, and fluorescein tear break-up time) when compared to administration of placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• Typical symptoms of dry eye (photophobia, burning, foreign body sensation, blurred vision improved with blinking)
• Schirmer Test < 8 mm/5 minutes
• Fluorescein tear break-up time < 8 seconds
• No current use of dry eye treatment (except artificial lubrication)
• Signature on consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infectious keratoconjunctivitis or inflammatory disease unrelated to dry eye
• Eyelid or eyelash abnormalities
• Alteration of the nasolacrimal apparatus
• Treatment with drugs affecting tearing
• Concomitant ocular therapies
• Topical ophthalmic steroids taken during the 4 weeks before the study
• Pregnant/breast-feeding women
• History of liver disease
• History of fish and/or shellfish allergy or hypersensitivity
• History of corn allergy or hypersensitivity
• Treatment with systemic anticoagulation therapy
• Patients with bleeding disorders or those receiving anticoagulation (e.g., warfarin, enoxaparin, dipyridamole, clopidogrel)