One in four people in the UK suffer from dry eyes, and many of them turn to fish oil supplements to relieve the irritating symptoms. But breaking research now shows that omega-3 fatty acids are no more effective than olive oil in helping with the condition.

In an independent study, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania enrolled over 500 participants with moderate to severe symptoms from 27 trial centres and gave them a daily supplement of either fish oil or an olive oil placebo. The results were astonishing.

After 12 months, all the participants showed a substantial reduction in their symptoms. In addition, there was no significant difference in the improvement in signs of dry eye between the groups. The research team say that the findings could change the way a lot of ophthalmologists treat their patients.

Sources:

1. National Institutes of Health:
   Omega-3s from fish oil supplements no better than placebo for dry eye.

2. Fish oil:
   Omega-3 fatty acids 'won't save your eyesight'.