The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

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    Omega-3 to treat dry eye

    dry eyeDry eye is a common complaint, but difficult to treat.

    Researchers from Aston University, in Birmingham, UK reviewed the evidence for omega-3.

    First, the details.

    A literature search was conducted using the terms ‘dry eye’, ‘essential fatty acids,’ and ‘nutrition’ to find articles relating to the treatment of dry eye syndrome with omega-3 essential fatty acids.

    And, the results.

    Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids must be consumed together in a reasonable ratio to be effective.

    Typical diets in developed countries lack omega-3 and this results in an overexposure to omega-6.

    Omega-3 also has anti-inflammatory action in the lacrimal gland (source of teats), which prevents death of the secretory cells.

    Supplementation with omega-3 permits development of a thinner, more elastic lipid layer to protect the tear film and cornea.

    The bottom line?

    The authors concluded, “Evidence suggests that supplementation with omega-3 essential fatty acids may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of dry eye syndrome.”

    Add dry eye to the list of conditions (lower triglycerides; slow the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques; lower blood pressure slightly; as well as reduce the risk of death, heart attack, and arrhythmias.) that benefit from omega-3.

    Studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acids may slow the progression of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration.

    12/26/09 19:27 JR

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