Dietary N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and dry eye
Résumé
Dry eye disease affects 15% of the population over the age of 65 years. It is characterized mainly by inflammation of the ocular surface (tear film, conjunctiva and cornea), which represents a relevant target for therapeutic strategies. The side effects and long-term intolerance of anti-inflammatory drugs give rise to an increasing interest in dietary components exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this chapter, we have exposed the dry eye pathology in terms of prevalence and symptoms. Then we have described the anti-inflammatory role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and some of their mechanisms of actions. Finally, we have shown the influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency and supplementation in dry eye. Our conclusions are on the importance of combining dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids to classical therapies.