I've heard fish oil may be helpful for dry eye. Is this true? How much should I take?

Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated September 20, 2018 ⓘ

Several small studies suggest that EPA and DHA from fish oil (sometimes in combination with other ingredients, such as black currant seed oil) can help to improve the symptoms of dry eye. For details, including formulas and dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Review >>

Castor oil eye drops (applied directly to the eye, not taken orally) may also help for dry eye.

For people who suffer dry eye due to Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune condition), supplementation with flaxseed oil may be beneficial. See the "What to Consider When Using" section of the Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, and Black Currant Oil Supplements Review >>

For information about supplements for other eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, and our tests of related supplements, see the Vision Supplements Review >> (Note: Several of these supplements contain DHA and EPA, but not in doses found to improve dry eye).