Other Oils for Dry Eye, Macular Degeneratiothan Flax Oil?

Dear Doctors:

My eye doctor recently instructed me to take Flax Oil for Dry Eye and to help ward off Macular Degeneration.  The problem is that my Internal Doctor told me it is bad to take oils for the heart even though they benefit the eyes.  She said,  " dry eye isn't going to kill you, but a heart problem will".  I also developed Acid Reflux from the Flax Oil.  I was eating 12 almonds a day, 1 Fish Oil pill, 1 Black Current Oil pill, 1 Softgel multiple vitamin and 2 Tsps. of peanut butter throughout the day along with the 2 Tablespoons of Flax oil prescribed.  Is there any other oils I can take to help with dry eye and macular degeneration that won't hurt the heart?  I also use hot and cold compresses for the dry eye.

hsum4

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I would listen to your cardiologist or internal medicine doctor if they are very familiar with this situation.  Omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil can both sometimes increase bleeding in patients taking blood thinners like coumadin (warfarin), apirin, and plavix.  In diabetics on glucose lowering drugs there is some evidence that suggest that flaxseed oil may increase fasting blood sugar levels.  Also, for men concerned about prostate health, some studies have shown a possible link between the ALA fatty acids in flaxseed oil and prostate cancer.  In general, omega-3 fish oils have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health so I wonder if you have some sort of special situation that would cause your internist to recommend against it.  Please contact him to find out why.  The more research I do about omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil, the more I realize that while they can have some exciting benefits (especially fish oil), they are not for everyone.  In the end, leaving out the flaxseed oil will not be that big a deal, but I would want to find out why exactly, the omega-3 fish oil was discouraged in your case.  I commend you for looking into this area yourself.  Keep up the good work.  I get a lot of nice information from engaged patients like yourself and it continually stirs me to keep up with the current research as much as possible.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[hsum4]

Sorry it was Dry Eye and Macular Degeneration above.  Sorry for the spelling.

hsum4

[hsum4]

Thank you for such a complete response to my question.

hsum4