Efficacy of polyunsaturated fatty acids for dry eye syndrome: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of PUFAs on DES through meta‐analysis of all relevant RCTs. To do so, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and unpublished data was conducted. The changes in clinical and laboratory examinations, symptomatic scores, and rates of relevant symptoms were analyzed. Nine RCTs were included in the current meta‐analysis. Compared with placebo, PUFA supplementation was not related to changes in tear film break‐up time (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.05 to 0.72), Schirmer's test score (WMD, 0.32; 95%CI, −0.23 to 0.86), or lissamine green staining score (WMD, −0.77; 95%CI, −1.66 to 0.12). However, significant reductions were detected in the symptom score on the ocular surface disease index (WMD, −2.26; 95%CI, −4.44 to −0.08) and in the rate of cells positive for human leukocyte antigen DR (WMD, −5.80; 95%CI, −8.62 to −2.97). This comprehensive meta‐analysis supports the use of PUFA supplementation as a potential effective therapy for DES.
Source: Nutrition Reviews - Category: Nutrition Authors: Tags: Nutrition in Clinical Care Source Type: research