Nutrition
Eye drops address the symptom; nutrition addresses the source. If you have evaporative dry eye, your tear film is breaking down too quickly. This often happens when your body lacks the fatty acids needed to produce quality meibum oil. Without the right building blocks, even the best drops provide only temporary relief.
Why Store Brand Fish Oil Falls Short
Most drugstore supplements use synthetic "Ethyl Ester" form — cheap to make, but your body struggles to absorb it. We recommend re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) formulas. Because rTG matches natural dietary fat, your body absorbs up to 3x more EPA and DHA compared to generic brands.
The EPA/DHA Ratio Matters
To interrupt ocular surface inflammation, high-concentration EPA does the heavy lifting for tear film stability. Our selection focuses on formulas designed to support the oil glands in your eyelids — the structural fatty acids needed for long-term comfort.
How Do These Supplements Compare?
| Product | Form | EPA + DHA | Best For | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRN Omega-3 | rTG (re-esterified) | 2240mg per serving | MGD, evaporative dry eye, max absorption | No |
| I-VU Omega-3 Algae | Algae-derived | 600mg per serving | Vegan/vegetarian, fish-free | Yes |
| PRN Omega-3 Liquid | rTG liquid | 2000mg per tsp | Patients who can't swallow capsules | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do omega-3 capsules cause fishy burps?
That aftertaste usually comes from low-quality, oxidized oils or synthetic ethyl ester forms. The rTG-form oils we carry digest easily without the gastric side effects common in drugstore vitamins.
How long before omega-3s help my dry eyes?
Nutrition is a repair strategy, not a quick fix. You're rebuilding tear quality from the inside out. Expect 6–12 weeks of consistent use before noticing a change in tear film stability and eyelid gland function.
What's the difference between rTG and ethyl ester omega-3s?
Ethyl ester (EE) is synthetic — cheaper but harder for your body to absorb. Re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) converts the oil back to a natural fat structure, improving bioavailability by up to 70%. For dry eye, you want those fatty acids actually reaching your meibomian glands.
What is the best vegan omega-3 for dry eyes?
We recommend I-VU Omega-3 Algae for plant-based options. It delivers EPA and DHA sourced directly from marine algae — same nutrients, no fish.
Can omega-3 capsules freeze in winter shipping?
Freezing doesn't typically damage omega-3 softgels — the oil inside remains stable. Store at room temperature after delivery. If a capsule appears cloudy or leaking, contact us for a replacement.
Content reviewed by Dr. Davinder Sidhu, Optometrist.
