Does Flax Seed Oil Have a Role in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome
Flax seed oil is commonly recommended as source high in omega 3 fatty acids; however, is it an efficient source of bio-available omega 3 fatty acids
For strict dietary vegans flax may be the only option of increasing the omega 3 fatty acids, albeit an inefficient one. However, for most people flax seed oil’s role is very limited in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. Flax seed meal on the other hand may have a limited role.
The biggest disadvantages to using flax seed oil is that you can’t cook with it (it is not stable above 160° F), it must be refrigerated and it has a short shelf life. Flax seed meal, on the other hand, can be used as a shortening substitute, has a very high fiber content, has a much longer shelf life, and can be used in baking. Therefore, I would only recommend flax seed oil if someone did not like the texture of the flax seed meal or flax meal would be inappropriate in a particular recipe. One of flax seed meal’s greatest advantages is its high fiber content therefore, I would recommend flax seed meal in baking to increase our dietary fiber and any ALA converted to omega fatty acids is just an extra bonus.
In addition, flax seeds are not digested by our bodies and should not be considered a dietary source of fiber or omega 3 fatty acids. The flax seed’s shell is very hard and must be crushed if our bodies are to utilize it.
Our Recommendation
At Total Eye Care we recommend the triglyceride form of Omega-3 fatty acids for patients suffering from dry eye syndrome. The dosage is 2 capsules twice a day which will provide approximately 2200mg of omega-3 fatty acids. It is generally recommended that patients with severe dry eye symptoms should take 2 capsules three times a day with meals. With all of the dry eye syndrome treatments available patients should not be suffering from dry eyes. If you are experiencing any type of ocular discomfort call the Colleyville office at 817.416.0333 or the Keller office at 817.431.4900 for a dry eye consultation. We are happy to help.
Lasting Dry Eye Treatment
Continuing, effective dry eye treatment can be difficult to keep up with. Recently, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) was FDA approved for the treatment of dry eye disease. If you continue to suffer from dry eye disease you may be a candidate for IPL as a lasting treatment for dry eyes. Studies show a series of 3 to 4 treatments provide lasting dry eye relief for 6 months to 2 years.
About Total Eye Care
The comprehensive services available by the eye doctors at Total Eye Care allow us to take care of patients of all ages. We also have an onsite ophthalmic lab to make your glasses quickly and accurately. Our optical keeps almost 1000 frames in stock to fit any face large or small. Especially helpful when buying glasses for children is our “bring us the pieces” eyeglass warranty. We are also on all of the major insurance plans.
