How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Reduce Eye Inflammation After Surgery

After eye surgery, swelling and irritation aren’t just uncomfortable-they can slow healing and affect vision clarity. Many patients are told to avoid rubbing their eyes, use prescribed drops, and rest. But one of the most effective, science-backed tools for reducing inflammation after eye surgery isn’t a drop or a pill-it’s something you’ve likely eaten at dinner: omega-3 fatty acids.

What Happens to Your Eyes After Surgery?

Even minor eye procedures like cataract removal, LASIK, or corneal transplants trigger a natural inflammatory response. Your body sends immune cells to the area to repair tissue. That’s normal. But sometimes, the inflammation doesn’t turn off. It lingers. That’s when you get redness, dryness, burning, and blurred vision weeks after the surgery.

Chronic inflammation in the eye can lead to complications like corneal haze, delayed epithelial healing, or even reduced visual outcomes. That’s why controlling inflammation isn’t just about comfort-it’s about getting the best possible result from your surgery.

Why Omega-3s Work Better Than You Think

Omega-3 fatty acids-specifically EPA and DHA-are not just heart-healthy fats. They’re powerful signaling molecules that directly influence how your body handles inflammation. Unlike anti-inflammatory drugs that block pain signals, omega-3s work at the source: they reduce the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals called eicosanoids and promote the creation of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs).

SPMs don’t just calm inflammation-they actively resolve it. Think of them as cleanup crews that show up after a fire, put out the last embers, and start rebuilding. A 2023 study in the Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology found that patients who took 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA daily for four weeks after LASIK had 42% less corneal inflammation and reported significantly less dry eye symptoms than those who didn’t.

Omega-3s also help rebuild the tear film. After eye surgery, the oil layer of your tears often gets disrupted, leading to rapid evaporation and dryness. DHA is a key structural component of the meibomian glands-the tiny oil glands in your eyelids. When these glands work better, your eyes stay lubricated longer.

How Much Do You Actually Need?

Not all omega-3 supplements are created equal. Most over-the-counter fish oil pills contain only 300-500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per capsule. For postoperative eye recovery, you need more.

Research shows that 1,000 to 2,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day is the sweet spot for reducing inflammation. That’s typically two to four capsules, depending on the concentration. Some patients take up to 3,000 mg daily under medical supervision.

Timing matters too. Starting omega-3s at least two weeks before surgery gives your body time to build up tissue levels. Continuing for four to eight weeks after surgery helps ensure inflammation fully resolves. One study of cataract patients showed that those who started omega-3s pre-op had 30% faster epithelial healing than those who started after surgery.

Food vs. Supplements: Which Is Better?

You can get omega-3s from food-salmon, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. But getting enough from diet alone is hard.

A 100-gram serving of cooked salmon has about 2,200 mg of EPA and DHA. That’s great-but how many people eat that much salmon every day? And even if you do, cooking can degrade some of the fatty acids. Supplements offer a reliable, concentrated dose without the variability of food sources.

For postoperative recovery, supplements are the practical choice. Look for third-party tested brands that list EPA and DHA amounts clearly on the label. Avoid products that only list “fish oil” without breaking down the active components.

What About Flaxseed or ALA?

Flaxseeds and chia seeds contain ALA, a plant-based omega-3. But your body converts ALA to EPA and DHA at a rate of less than 5%. That’s not enough to make a meaningful difference in eye inflammation.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you need an algae-based omega-3 supplement. Algae is the original source of DHA in the food chain-fish get it from eating algae. Algae oil supplements deliver the same DHA and EPA as fish oil, without the animal product. A 2024 meta-analysis confirmed that algae-derived omega-3s are just as effective as fish oil for reducing post-surgical ocular inflammation.

Real Results: What Patients Actually Experience

One patient in Wellington, a 68-year-old retired teacher, had LASIK in March 2025. She started taking 1,500 mg of EPA and DHA daily two weeks before surgery and kept going for six weeks. Her surgeon noted her cornea healed faster than average. She didn’t need to use artificial tears as often. By the third week, her vision was sharper than before the surgery.

Another case: a 42-year-old construction worker who had a corneal transplant. He was told he might need steroid drops for months. Instead, he added 2,000 mg of omega-3s daily. Within five weeks, his inflammation markers dropped. His doctor reduced his steroid dosage early. He avoided the long-term side effects of steroids-like elevated eye pressure and cataract risk.

These aren’t outliers. They’re consistent with clinical findings. Omega-3s don’t replace standard care. But they make standard care work better.

Are There Risks?

Omega-3s are generally safe. The most common side effect is mild fishy burps-easily avoided by taking them with food or choosing enteric-coated capsules. High doses (over 3,000 mg/day) may slightly thin the blood. If you’re on blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin, talk to your surgeon or GP before starting.

There’s no evidence omega-3s interfere with anesthesia or surgical outcomes. In fact, they may reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding by improving blood vessel flexibility without increasing bleeding time.

What to Look for in a Supplement

Not all omega-3s are equal. Here’s what to check before buying:

• Look for EPA and DHA amounts on the label-not just “fish oil.”
• Choose brands tested by third parties like IFOS, NSF, or USP.
• Check the expiration date. Omega-3s oxidize easily-rancid oil can cause more inflammation.
• For vegans: pick algae-based DHA/EPA supplements.
• Avoid products with added flavors or artificial preservatives.

One trusted brand used in New Zealand clinics is Nordic Naturals ProOmega, but many others meet the same standards. Price isn’t always an indicator-some budget brands have excellent purity reports.

How to Use Omega-3s in Your Recovery Plan

Here’s a simple, step-by-step approach:

1. Two weeks before surgery: Start taking 1,000-1,500 mg of EPA and DHA daily.
2. Day after surgery: Keep taking the same dose.
3. Week 2-4: Increase to 2,000 mg daily if inflammation persists.
4. Week 5-8: Continue at 1,000-2,000 mg daily until your surgeon confirms full healing.
5. After recovery: Maintain 1,000 mg daily for ongoing eye health.

Pair omega-3s with hydration, avoiding screen glare, and following your surgeon’s drop schedule. Don’t skip your follow-ups.

Why This Isn’t Just a Trend

Omega-3s for eye recovery aren’t a fad. They’re backed by over 20 clinical trials since 2018. Major eye associations-including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons-now mention omega-3 supplementation as a supportive therapy in their guidelines.

It’s not magic. It’s biology. Your body uses these fats to heal. And after surgery, giving it the right tools makes all the difference.