Optometrist Eyes Fish Oil Problems

Dr. Kisling Uncategorized 2 Comments

Is the Fish Oil Your Optometrist Recommended Safe?

A recent lawsuit in March questioned the safety of fish oils often recommended by eye doctors for dry eyes. Studies are underway to see if the omega-3 fatty acid fish oil supplements help in the treatment of macular degeneration. California has some of the most stringent regulations on PCB”s (polychlorinated biphenyls) in the country, requiring much lower levels than the F.D.A. PCB’s are known to cause cancer at higher doses. A group in California tested a number of fis oil supplements and found a wide range of PCB levels.

Your Eyes | Your Vision | Your Health

Until more is known, you should use the brands thought to be the highest quality available.  The lawsuit alleges that supplements made or sold by CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, General Nutrition Corp., Solgar, Twinlab, Now Health, Omega Protein and Pharmavite  violate California’s Proposition 65. Not all of the supplements are considered in violation. GNC has on Omega-3 product named in the lawsuit but another that is not. It must be noted that this is not the F.D.A., and the F.D.A. has given no indication that there is a problem with these supplements.

From an Eye Doctors Perspective

At this time when we recommend fish oil omega-3 supplementation we normally suggest Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil or Nordic. These seem to be some of the most pure, contaminate free products in the marketplace. If we find anything to indicate otherwise, or products to add we will add them to our list. These two products also are in the natural triglyceride form. While there is very limited research, some optometrist prefer the natural form of the omega-3 products.

Do Not Start Taking Fish Oil Supplements Unless You are Under The Care of a Qualified Health Care Providor, While Healthy For Many Conditions, They Have the Potential For Serious Complications in Some Conditions and When Taken With Some Prescription Medications

Comments 2

  1. Post
    Author
    admin

    Hi Ford,

    Cipralex and Pristiq both can cause dry eyes and larger pupils. Pristiq needs a few weeks to completely wash out of your system, Cipralex a little less. Sometimes it may take longer to reverse the effects, maybe even 6 months. The dryness and dilation could be completely unrelated to the medications.

    Best Wishes

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