Role of Omega-3 fatty acids in meibomian gland dysfunction

Objective: To evaluate the role of omega-3 fatty acids in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Design: This was a prospective randomized control study that included patients with MGD attending outpatient Department of Ophthalmology, Subharti Medical College, Meerut. Subjects: 40 patients of both sex above 40 years of age with MGD were included in the study. Methods: Age matched randomization of patients was done in two groups of 20 each. Patients in group A were given 2 capsules of 300 mg omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks while patients in group B were given a placebo oral supplement. Patients were examined at one-month interval for 3 months after the initial visit. At each visit Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer test, Tear film break up time (TBUT), Fluroscein staining and meibum quality score was evaluated. Results: After 3 months we found statistically significant improvement in subjective as well as objective parameters of group A patients (p value < .05) as compared to group B patients. Conclusion: Thus, dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is an effective treatment modality in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).