New Study Published on the "Effect of Oral Re-Esterified Omega-3 Nutritional Supplementation on Dry Eyes"

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly published study available online, ahead of print, in Cornea demonstrates oral consumption of re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids is an effective treatment of dry eye disease and results in a statistically significant improvement in its primary endpoint of tear osmolarity, as well as, its secondary endpoints after 12-weeks. The full study can be viewed on the Cornea website here: http://journals.lww.com/corneajrnl/Abstract/publishahead/Effect_of_Oral_Re_esterified_Omega_3_Nutritional.97529.aspx#

One hundred and five subjects completed the study, "Eff­ect of Oral Re-Esterified Omega-3 Nutritional Supplementation on Dry-Eyes", which assessed oral nutrition as the primary therapy for dry eye disease in patients with confirmed, Meibomian gland dysfunction and specifically focused on the effect of oral re-esterified omega-3 fatty acids on tear osmolarity, MMP-9, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's score, corneal staining and Omega Index.

This was a multicenter, prospective, interventional, placebo-controlled, double-masked study. The study subjects (54 in treatment group, 51 in control group) were randomized to receive 4 softgels (PRN Dry Eye Omega Benefits^®, Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA) containing a total of 1680 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/560 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or a control of 3136 mg of safflower oil (linoleic acid (LA)), daily for 12 weeks. Study participants were measured at baseline, week 6, and week 12 for tear osmolarity, TBUT, OSDI, fluorescein corneal staining, and Schirmer test with anesthesia. MMP-9 testing and omega-3 index were done at baseline and at 12 weeks. 

Alice T. Epitropoulos, M.D., F.A.C.S. who served as lead investigator on the study stated, "The findings here are game changing. The research shows that omega-3s administered in the proper dose and in a cleaned triglyceride form can not only provide the necessary lipids for the tear film to impact tear osmolarity and tear break-up time, the data also demonstrates that re-esterified triglyceride omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is a vital option for patients with Meibomian Gland Disease and should be considered by all ophthalmologists treating dry eye patients. Dr. Epitropoulos also stated, "With PRN Dry Eye Omega Benefits^®, we have finally found another effective primary therapy for MGD. Omega-3s in this dose and form should be utilized to correct an unstable tear film and reduce inflammatory mediators that should have a significant impact on reducing patient discomfort. The findings of this study have the potential to impact many of the 25 million Americans suffering from dry eye symptoms."

Dr. Epitropoulos acknowledges the 11 investigators that were integral in completing this study. The investigators include Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, Zubin A. Shah, MPH, Edward J. Holland, MD, Michael Gross, MD, William J. Faulkner, MD, Cynthia Matossian, MD, Stephen S. Lane, MD, Melissa Toyos, MD, Frank A. Bucci, MD, Henry D. Perry, MD.  The full study can be viewed via open access on the Cornea website at the following URL: http://journals.lww.com/corneajrnl/Abstract/publishahead/Effect_of_Oral_Re_esterified_Omega_3_Nutritional.97529.aspx#

About Alice T. Epitropoulos, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Alice T. Epitropoulos is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in refractive and cataract surgery and has a Dry Eye Center of Excellence. She offers femtosecond laser cataract surgery with premium lens surgery for her cataract patients. Currently, Dr. Epitropoulos has a patent of a medical device known as the EpiGlare Tester to measure visual disability from oncoming headlights in cataract patients. There was a multicenter clinical trial to validate the device, and recently signed a license agreement to manufacture, market and distribute the device with Eye Care and Cure. She is a native of Columbus, Ohio. She is a founding member and proud to be a part of The Eye Center of Columbus, an innovative affiliation of more than 80 ophthalmologists located in Downtown Columbus. Dr. Epitropoulos also serves as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at The Ohio State University. Epitropoulos received her bachelor's degree in Nursing and her medical degree both from The Ohio State University. Several of her articles have been published in prominent ophthalmic journals, and she has presented numerous papers at respected national eye meetings. Dr. Epitropoulos also serves as one of the team physicians for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Cataract and Refractive Center of Ohio is a subsidiary of Ophthalmic Surgeons & Consultants of Ohio Inc.

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