Re-esterified triglyceride omega-3 trial yields null results for dry eye disease

Supplementation with the re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form of omega-3 fatty acid does not help ameliorate the symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, as shown in a study.

A total of 132 patients (mean age 50.6 years, 78.0 percent female) with meibomian gland dysfunction-related DED were randomly assigned to receive rTG omega-3 fatty acid (1,680 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 560 mg of docosahexaenoic acid) or 3,000 mg of grape-seed oil daily.

Researchers evaluated Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the primary endpoint, at 6 and 12 weeks. They also assessed visual acuity and intraocular pressure change.

Of the patients, 58 in the rTG ω-3 group (87.9 percent) and 57 (86.4 percent) in the grape-seed group completed 12 weeks of follow-up. Compliance with the dietary supplement intake was comparable between the two groups (95.8 percent and 95.4 percent, respectively).

Mean OSDI scores decreased by 20.5 at week 6 and by 22.7 at week 12 in the ω-3 group and by 15.1 and 18.8, respectively, in the grape-seed group. The between-group difference in mean OSDI scores at 6 weeks (−5.4, 95 percent CI, −12.15 to 1.33) and at 12 weeks (−3.9, 95 percent CI, −10.90 to 3.13) did not reach statistical significance (p=0.12 and p=0.28, respectively).

No changes in safety parameters or adverse events related to taking the dietary supplement were documented in either group.