Not all fat is bad, but what kind of fat is "good"? Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that can actually help reduce occasional dry eye issues.

What Are Omega-3s?

Omega-3s are fatty acids essential in the health of almost every part of our bodies. Healthy cells, muscles, nerves, and organs depend on Omega-3s to function properly. It's not surprising that it also helps tear production. Omega-3 fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The most vital acids within Omega-3s are DHA and EPA for vision health. DHA can be found in the brain and retina, and low levels of DHA have been linked to vision issues like occasional dry eye.

Do Our Bodies Produce Omega-3s?

Unfortunately, our bodies are not able to produce Omega-3s. Because Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to our health, we must obtain them through our diet. Sounds easier than it really is. The average American diet doesn't include enough Omega-3 rich foods like cold water fish, such as salmon and mackerel.

According to AllAboutVision.com, “This imbalance of Omega-6 (“bad”) fatty acids to Omega-3 (“good”) fatty acids appears to be a contributing cause of a number of serious health problems...” Because it's nearly impossible to consume enough Omega-3 rich foods to help occasional dry eye issues, the next best solution is to take a vitamin that contains Omega-3.

How Can Omega-3s Help Relieve Occasional Dry Eye?

Occasional dry eye causes vary, but the main problem is that your eyes aren't producing enough tears or your tears are not high quality. In fact, 40% of Americans suffer from occasional dry eye. Tears bathe the eye, keeping it lubricated and healthy. Tears also contain vital enzymes that support the health of the surface of your eyes. According to AllAboutVision.com, “Tears are complex, containing many different essential elements, including oils produced by special glands in the eyelids called Meibomian glands. These oils prevent evaporation of the tears.”

Here's the good news: science shows that Omega-3 fatty acids can play a huge role in relieving occasional dry eye symptoms. Taking a premium Omega-3 eye vitamin along with antioxidants ensures that your eyes are getting the nutrients they need for healthy, quality tears. Making sure that you’re consuming the right kinds of fish oil is critical, as not all fish oils and Omega-3s are made equal. Premium fish oil made from cold water fish along with other soothing ingredients is the best way to ensure you're getting what your eyes need most.

EyePromise EZ Tears

EyePromise created an eye vitamin specifically designed to help relieve occasional dry eye. EyePromise EZ Tears includes ultra-purified, highly concentrated Omega-3s plus 7 additional anti-inflammatory ingredients to help create a healthy ocular surface from the inside out. Learn more about this occasional dry eye supplement.