Omega-6 (1980) Evening primrose oil & dry eyes

In a small pilot study published in 1980, 17 patients with dry eye syndrome were treated with evening primrose oil. They were chosen to be part of the study due to lack of tear secretion, chronic need of eyedrops, the Schirmer Test, and a clinical exam. Patients received 500 mg capsules of evening Primrose oil, 50 mg vitamin B6 and 1 g vitamin C 3x a day.

Result
Ten of the 17 patients showed substantial improvement of both symptoms and Schirmer test in 2-6 weeks. 3 additional patients reported improved symptoms even though the Schirmer Test was unimproved. The authors felt that this treatment is effective in many, but not all cases.

1. Horrobin DF, Campbell A. McEwen CG: Treatment of the Sicca Syndrome with E.F.A., Pyroxidine and Vitamin C. Prog Lipid Res 8(4):253-4, 1981.
2. Horrobin DR Campbell A. Sjogren's Syndrome and the Sicca Syndrome: the Role of Prostaglandin E1 Deficiency. Treatment with Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin C. Medical Hypothesis. 6:225-232 1980.

Editor's Note: See more information about our preferred nutritional recommendations dry eyes.