Oral Supplementation of Camelina Oil extract in Dry Eye Patients.

Purpose: Camelina sativa is an oil seeded plant. The major component in the Camelina oil composition is the omega-3 fatty acid .The aim of this study was evaluation of the safety and efficacy of Camelina oil extract capsules in patients suffering from dry eye symptoms. Methods: A randomized, triple-blind, interventional, placebo-controlled study was done. Fifty three patients were randomized in two groups to receive either two capsules containing 500mg of Camelina oil extract or placebo daily for 3 months. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, tear meniscus height (TMH) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score were recorded at baseline and 3 months after intervention. Results: After three months, in Camelina group, the mean TBUT and TMH was significantly improved (P-Value <0.05). Also the OSDI score was significantly reduced from 30.25 to 25.58. (P-Value < 0.05). In Placebo group, the OSDI was significantly reduced from 34.65 to 20. Comparison between these groups showed that UCVA (p=0.040), TBUT (p=0.027) and TMH(p=0.034) were significantly increased in Camelina than placebo group. There was not any serious complication in patients enrolled in this study. Conclusion: Consumption of 1000 mg of Camelina oil extract is safe in patient with dry eye. This supplement can reduce the dry eye syndrome. For more validation, a multicentral clinical study with large sample size is proposed.