omega-3
Anti-Inflammatory Fatty Acid
Plain-language definition
Essential fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseed with anti-inflammatory properties. Commonly recommended for dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction.
Where this term comes up
“Ask before buying supplements: the large DREAM trial found no added dry-eye benefit from fish-oil omega-3 supplements compared with placebo”
Medication · Artificial Tears
“Omega-3 supplements (fish oil or flaxseed) - evidence is mixed; a large clinical trial (DREAM study) found uncertain benefit”
Condition · Dry Eye Syndrome
“Discuss supplements before buying them; the large DREAM trial did not find omega-3 fish oil better than placebo for dry-eye signs or symptoms”
Treatment · Meibomian Gland Expression
- Category
- Specialty term
- Also written as
- omega-6
Specialty terms connect eye care with neurology, endocrinology, rheumatology, infectious disease, or other fields involved in vision care.
Related glossary terms
- fatty acid
Essential Nutritional Fat
- cornea
Clear Front Window
- evaporative
Tear Evaporation-Related
- punctum
Tear Drain Opening
- antidepressant
Mood-Regulating Drug
- antihistamine
Allergy-Blocking Drug
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.