Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Dry Eye Syndrome: An In vitro Investigation

ABSTRACT Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a prevalent ocular condition characterized by insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation, leading to discomfort and visual disturbances. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed as a potential therapeutic intervention for DES due to their anti-inflammatory and lipid modulation properties. Cultured human corneal epithelial cells were exposed to various concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for 72 h. Cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, while inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8)) and lipid profile (measured by lipid staining) were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Untreated cells served as controls for comparison. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in cell viability compared to untreated cells. At optimal concentrations, EPA and DHA significantly enhanced cell viability by 30% and 35%, respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation led to a significant reduction in inflammatory cytokine levels, with a 50% decrease in IL-6 and IL-8 secretion compared to untreated cells (P < 0.01). Additionally, lipid staining revealed improved lipid profile and organization in corneal epithelial cells following omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, indicative of enhanced tear film stability. In vitro findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation exerts beneficial effects on cellular markers associated with DES.