EyePromise EZ Tears by Eye Promise

If screens, contact lenses, or post-LASIK dryness leave your eyes gritty by afternoon, an omega-3–based dry eye supplement fits. It’s most useful when seafood intake is low or your Omega-3 Index (a blood test of EPA/DHA in red cells) is low. People with meibomian gland issues (the oil glands that keep tears from evaporating) and peri- or postmenopausal adults tend to report the biggest gains within 4 to 12 weeks.

EPA and DHA (the long-chain omega-3 fats in fish oil) calm surface inflammation and improve the oily layer of the tear film, which slows evaporation. Vitamin A supports the corneal surface and goblet cells (the cells that make the mucin layer of tears). Vitamin D3 helps modulate immune activity at the ocular surface, and vitamin E protects these oils from oxidation. Clinically, some patients show lower hs-CRP (a blood inflammation marker) and less burning, though large trials in unselected dry eye have been mixed; in practice, response is better when omega-3 status is low or oil glands are plugged.

Take two softgels daily with a meal that contains fat for best omega-3 absorption. Consistency matters, as membranes in tear glands turn over slowly; give it 4 to 12 weeks. If you get fishy burps, take at night or briefly freeze the softgels. If your Omega-3 Index stays low or you also want triglyceride lowering, a higher EPA/DHA dose from a dedicated fish oil is often required. Keep warm compresses and eyelid hygiene in the mix.

This formula includes preformed vitamin A (retinyl palmitate). Avoid in pregnancy or if you could become pregnant unless your clinician approves, and be cautious with liver disease or if you already take retinoid drugs like isotretinoin or acitretin. Fish or shellfish allergy is a stop sign. If you use anticoagulants such as warfarin or high-dose aspirin, fish oil and vitamin E can increase bleeding risk, so check with your prescriber and monitor INR if applicable.