Lacritec for Dry Eyes: Does It Work and Are There Any Side Effects?

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Lacritec is an oral dry eye supplement that combines omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to improve tear quality and reduce inflammation. It’s taken daily and supports people with chronic dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, and tear film instability. Lacritec has no known serious side effects, though mild digestive upset may occur in some users.

What You Need to Know About This Omega Fatty Acid Supplement for Dry Eye Relief

Dry eyes aren’t just a nuisance — for many people, they’re a daily struggle that affects vision, sleep, and quality of life. Whether caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), screen overuse, autoimmune issues, or ageing, dry eye symptoms often persist even with drops, heat masks, and lifestyle changes.

That’s where oral dry eye supplements like Lacritec come in — and among them, Lacritec has gained attention in Australia for its specific blend of omega fatty acids aimed at restoring tear film balance from within. But does it work? And what about side effects?

This article takes a closer look at Lacritec’s ingredients, benefits, and possible drawbacks, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your dry eye treatment plan.

What Is Lacritec?

Lacritec is an Australian-developed oral supplement formulated to support tear film stability, ocular surface health, and inflammation control in people with chronic dry eye disease. Unlike artificial tears or heat masks, Lacritec works from within the body — aiming to reduce inflammation and improve the composition of your tears over time.

Key Uses of Lacritec:

• Chronic dry eye syndrome (DED)
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
• Blepharitis-associated dry eye
• Dryness linked to contact lens wear or LASIK
• Tear film instability from air conditioning or screen use

How Does Lacritec Work?

Lacritec’s effectiveness lies in its synergistic blend of omega fatty acids, all known to play vital roles in the eye’s oil glands, immune regulation, and tear production.

Key Ingredients:

Ingredient	Function
Fish Oil (Omega-3 EPA/DHA)	Reduces ocular surface inflammation, supports oil secretion in meibomian glands
Flaxseed Oil (ALA)	Converts into EPA and DHA, improves lipid layer of tear film
Borage Oil (GLA – Omega-6)	Enhances glandular health, counteracts inflammatory omega-6s

Together, these fats help nourish the meibomian glands, reduce inflammatory signaling in the lacrimal glands, and ultimately improve the quality of the tear film — particularly the vital outer lipid layer that prevents evaporation.

According to Nicholas Lee Ophthalmology, improvements can be seen in as little as 30 days, but most users require consistent use for 6–8 weeks before results plateau.

Lacritec Side Effects: What to Watch For

Lacritec is generally well-tolerated and does not contain preservatives, artificial colours, or synthetic additives. According to the manufacturer, it has no known serious side effects. However, mild gastrointestinal effects can occur — particularly when starting omega-based supplements for the first time.

Possible (Mild) Side Effects:

• Soft stools or mild diarrhoea
• Fishy aftertaste or reflux (rare due to capsule coating)
• Nausea if taken on an empty stomach

These symptoms often resolve after a few days of regular use. Taking the capsules with meals can reduce the likelihood of digestive upset.

Important: If you’re on blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or take anti-inflammatory medications, always check with your GP or optometrist before starting omega-rich supplements.

Lacritec Dosage and How to Take It

To achieve therapeutic levels, Lacritec requires daily and consistent use. Results are typically cumulative and require commitment.

Recommended Dosage:

• Initial phase (first 6 weeks): 3 capsules per day with meals
• Maintenance dose: 2 capsules per day ongoing

The capsules should be spaced across the day (e.g. 1 in the morning, 1 at lunch, 1 with dinner).
Note: If you miss a dose, continue with the next scheduled one. Don’t double up.

Who Should Consider Taking Lacritec?

Lacritec may benefit a wide range of people with dry eye symptoms — especially those where topical treatments alone aren’t enough.

You might consider Lacritec if you:

• Use artificial tears more than 3x daily with limited relief
• Have moderate to severe evaporative dry eye
• Experience dryness on waking or after sleep (suggesting poor lipid layer)
• Have a history of blepharitis or MGD
• Work in air-conditioned or low-humidity environments
• Wear contact lenses daily
• Travel frequently or fly often

Is Lacritec Better Than Other Dry Eye Supplements?

We have done a comparison article – Lacritec vs. Dry Eye Forte article
It is always recommended that you speak to an eye health professional about how supplements can help you with dry eye syndrome.

Final Thoughts: Is Lacritec Right for You?

If you’re battling chronic dry eye and tired of short-term fixes, Lacritec offers a clinically considered, inside-out approach. Its ingredients are backed by research, and its formulation is designed to work specifically on the mechanisms behind tear instability — not just the symptoms.

While side effects are rare and mild, it’s still wise to speak with an optometrist or GP before starting. At Eyes By Design, we recommend supplements like Lacritec to patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye where other methods haven’t been enough.

People Also Ask: Lacritec Dry Eye Supplement FAQs

1. What is Lacritec?

Lacritec is an oral dry eye supplement made from a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It helps reduce inflammation, support tear gland function, and improve the quality of the tear film in people with chronic dry eyes.

2. How does Lacritec work for dry eyes?

Lacritec works by reducing inflammation in the tear glands and supporting healthy oil production in the meibomian glands. This helps stabilise the tear film and reduce tear evaporation, especially in cases of meibomian gland dysfunction or environmental dryness.

3. What are the side effects of Lacritec?

Lacritec has no known serious side effects. Some people may experience mild digestive upset, such as soft stools or a fishy aftertaste, especially when first starting the supplement. These effects usually subside with regular use and food intake.

4. How do you take Lacritec?

The typical Lacritec dosage is three capsules per day with meals for the first six weeks, then two capsules per day as a maintenance dose. Taking it with food improves absorption and reduces the chance of stomach upset.

5. Who should take Lacritec?

Lacritec is suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms, including those with MGD, blepharitis, screen-related dryness, contact lens discomfort, or post-LASIK irritation. It is often used when eye drops alone are not enough.

6. Is Lacritec safe to use long term?

Yes, Lacritec is considered safe for long-term use in healthy individuals. However, people on blood thinners or with chronic health conditions should consult their doctor before starting any omega-based supplement.

7. How long does it take for Lacritec to work?

Most users begin to notice improvements in dry eye symptoms within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use. Maximum effects are typically seen after 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.