Lacritec: A dry eye supplement
Lacritec is a dry eye supplement designed to improve tear film stability and reduce inflammation. This article discusses its benefits and potential side effects.
DRY EYE SUPPLEMENTS
Welcome to our reviews on dry eye supplements.
Today we will be looking at Lacritec, a dry eye supplement that's been proven to improve tear film stability and reduce ocular surface inflammation.
While topical lubricants like Systane Ultra or Cationorm provide immediate, temporary relief by coating the ocular surface, systemic supplements like Lacritec aim to address the root causes of dry eye by improving the quality of the oil produced by the meibomian glands.
Let's have a look at the active ingredients in this supplement:
Concentrated Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that humans cannot synthesize in the body and must be obtained from external sources. They are natural components of the human tear film, and research suggests that a reduction in omega-3 content correlates with the manifestation of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. Omega-3 treatment is categorized as a Step 1 recommendation in the staged management of dry eyes.
A major aspect of dry eye disease is inflammation on the ocular surface. Omega-3 fatty acid helps to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-1 and TNF-α) that trigger the release of inflammatory cells. A study by Bhargava et al (2023) compared Omega 3 fish oil and olive oil in the treatment of dry eyes and found patient using Omega 3 fish oil showed significant improvements in their dry eye symptoms whereas the group taking olive oil did not.
Special Omega-6 fatty acid: Lacritec contains Borago Officinalis (Starflower) seed oil which contains Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). While some Omega-6s can be pro-inflammatory, GLA is unique because once ingested, it is converted into DGLA (Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid), which is a potent anti-inflammatory precursor. Research by Macrì et al. (2003) have found that the combination of GLA and Omega-3 is significantly more effective at reducing ocular surface inflammation and improving patient comfort than Omega-3 alone.
A high dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 consumption is associated with a significantly increased risk of dry eye disease. Patients can self administer a simple Omega 3 index test to monitor their Omega 3 levels. Research have found that patients with low Omega 3 index benefits the most from Omega 3 supplementation.
WARNING: It is best to ask your doctor if you can take this supplement particularly if you are on warfarin or another blood thinner as Omega 3s are a natural blood thinner.
It is worth noting that some eyedrops such as NovaTears+Omega 3 and Refresh Optive Mega 3 contains Omega 3 and can be applied directly onto the eyes.
Key Takeaways:
Lacritec is better than standard fish oil: Lacritec is a gold-standard systemic treatment, particularly for those with MGD or inflammatory dry eye. The addition of GLA makes it more targeted for dry eye than generic supplements.
High Quality: It uses concentrated, pharmaceutical-grade oils to minimize the "fishy" aftertaste and maximize absorption.
Long term: You have to be using this supplement for a few months before any noticeable improvements.
Best to consult your doctor before starting, especially if you are on blood-thinning medications.
References:
Bhargava R, Pandey K, Ranjan S, Mehta B, Malik A. Omega-3 fatty acids supplements for dry eye - Are they effective or ineffective? Indian J Ophthalmol 2023;71:1619-25.
Macrì A, Giuffrida S, Amico V, Iester M, Traverso CE. Effect of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid on tear production, tear clearance and on the ocular surface after photorefractive keratectomy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2003 Jul;241(7):561-566. doi: 10.1007/s00417-003-0685-x. Epub 2003 May 27. PMID: 12768289.
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