This meta-analysis was performed with 17 randomized clinical trials and evaluated the effects of omega-3 supplementation among 3363 patients in the management of dry eye disease.

Compared with placebo, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased dry eye symptoms (p < 0.001) and corneal fluorescein staining (p = 0.032), whereas it increased the breakup time (p < 0.001) and Schirmer test values (used to test the amount of tears) (p < 0.001). No evidence of publication bias was observed, and sensitivity analyses indicated the robustness of results obtained. Meta-regression analysis showed a higher improvement of dry eye symptoms and breakup time in studies conducted in India.

In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly improves dry eye symptoms and signs in patients with dry eye disease. 

Giannaccare G, Pellegrini M, Sebastiani S, Bernabei F, Roda M, Taroni L, Versura P, Campos EC.Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Cornea. 2019 Jan 29.