Flaxseed supplements treat dry eyes.

Dry eye syndrome is a very common disorder especially in older adults. And women are affected more often than men. If left untreated, it is not only uncomfortable, but can lead to lower visual acuity and difficulty reading, using a computer, and driving at night.

The most common OTC therapy is artificial tears, but it often doesn’t work well and may only provide temporary relief.

A large dietary study of women showed an association between a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and a lower risk of dry eye syndrome. But the study lumped seafood sources (tuna, etc) in with plant sources (flax, etc) of omega-3’s, so it’s hard to know whether flaxseed alone helps.