Jessica

Holden
HSCI 350
Abstract #2
In the U.S, dry eye syndrome (DES) is one of the most prevalent
ocular conditions that can lead to decreased functional visual acuity
that affects a variety of activities of daily living. The National Institute
of Health released data of a study that consisted of Womens health.
More specifically, this study researched the relationship of the intake of
n-3 and/or n-6 fatty acid and the prevention of DES. The study
consisted of a sample size of 32,470 women, which was randomized,
double blind and placebo-controlled. The participants were required to
do two surveys. One survey consisted of diet analysis of commonly
consumed foods and the nutrient value of the fats such as n-3 FA,
eicosapentanoic (EPA) acid and docosahexanoic (DHA) from different
fish in ones diet intake. The second survey consisted of surveying
participants four years later of dry eye ascertainment, subsequently
results shown that 1,546 of the 32,470 women had clinically diagnosed
DES. After surveys were done analysis of information presented the
ratios of n-3FA, EPA, DHA, n-6 FA and the n-6/n-3 ratio in relation to
DES. Results revealed that dietary intake of n-3 and or n-6 fatty acids
may help with preventing DES. Consequently, higher ratios of n-6/n-3

fatty acids shows to increased risks of DES. However, even with

research for the etiology and pathogenesis of DES, there are still no
promising preventative actions towards DES. Thus, the need for further
investigation for treating and preventing DES is required.