Lacritec vs DryEye Forte: Which is the Better Choice for Dry Eye Relief?
As optometrists, we are asked by many of our clients what they can do to maintain their current vision health or if there are supplements that can improve their vision health.
Diets and supplements can greatly benefit some eye health conditions, one of which is Dry Eye. Clinical research shows that diet and supplements should be considered part of the treatment plan.
When it comes to managing dry eye syndrome, patients have a variety of over-the-counter supplements to choose from.
Two popular options are Lacritec and DryEye Forte. While both products aim to alleviate dry eye symptoms, they differ in their formulations and potential efficacy. In this article, we’ll compare these two products to help you make an informed decision.
Comparing the Ingredients
To better understand the potential efficacy of these two products, let’s take a closer look at their ingredient compositions:
DryEye Forte:
- Each capsule contains 667mg of concentrated re-esterified Omega-3 triglycerides, delivering 240mg of EPA and 160mg of DHA per capsule
- Contains 455mg of borage oil providing 100mg of GLA
- Contains 200IU of vitamin D3, 40IU of natural vitamin E
Lacritec:
- Each capsule contains 332mg of Omega-3 triglycerides, including 134mg of EPA and 66.8mg of DHA
- Contains 334mg of flaxseed oil, including 192mg of ALA which converts to approximately 30mg of EPA
- Contains 434mg of borage oil providing 95.5mg of GLA
- Does NOT contain vitamin D3, vitamin E
What do these differences mean?
Lacritec contains 334mg of flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. However, the human body has a limited ability to convert ALA into the more potent and beneficial forms of omega-3s, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
According to research, only 8-12% of the ALA from flaxseed oil is converted into EPA, while the rest is utilised for energy. This means that a significant portion of the potential benefits of flaxseed oil for dry eye relief may be lost due to the inefficient conversion process.
The primary effective ingredients in both products are EPA and DHA Fish Oils. The effective quantities of each are 240mg of EPA and 160mg of DHA in Dry Eye Forte compared to 164mg of EPA and 66.8mg of DHA.
Both products are manufactured in Australia from high-quality fish oils under stringent standards. Dry eye Forte contains re-esterified Fish Oils which have impurities removed in the manufacturing process, so that the fish oils are more bio-available to the body. Both products derive their fish oil from smaller coldwater fish from Peru, mainly sardines and anchovies, which are farmed sustainably. Smaller fish have less accumulated toxins to start with and the fish oil is then deodorised to remove the fishy aftertaste which reduces reflux side effects.
The most important point to note regarding fish oil in the product comparison is that to achieve the same level of Fish Oil concentration as in three capsules of DryEye Forte, you would need to take six Lacritec capsules. Both products recommend three tablets a day for 6-8 weeks as an initial dose.
Why does DryEye Forte have extra ingredients and what do they do?
DryEye Forte also contains vitamin D3, and natural Vitamin E.
Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with dry eye symptoms. It has been shown to potentially reduce symptoms of ocular discomfort, soreness, ocular fatigue, redness, light sensitivity and blurred vision. Vitamin D may also aid in wound healing in the eyes.
Vitamin E has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and optimises the metabolism of Fish Oils, providing superior results and reducing potential side effects that can occur when vitamin E levels in blood plasma are reduced from fish oil consumption. This ensures that you receive the full benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids without compromising your vitamin E blood plasma levels.
Are there any potential side effects or contraindications?
Both Lacritec and DryEye Forte are generally well-tolerated when taken as directed. However, like any supplement, there are some potential side effects and contraindications to be aware of.
For Lacritec, the most common side effects may include belching, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea, especially when taking higher doses of flaxseed oil or fish oil. Those with bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications should use caution, as flaxseed and fish oils may increase the risk of bleeding.
DryEye Forte’s potential side effects are similar to those of other fish oil supplements, such as bad breath, heartburn, nausea, and loose stools. The vitamin D3 in DryEye Forte may also interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult your doctor if you’re taking other supplements or prescriptions. Those with hypercalcemia or kidney disease may need to avoid high doses of vitamin D and you should consult your doctor before taking these supplements.
It’s always advisable to start with the recommended dosage of any supplement and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking any medications.
Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience any severe or concerning side effects.
The Bottom Line
While Lacritec may provide some relief for mild dry eye symptoms, DryEye Forte offers a more comprehensive and potentially more effective solution for most patients.
We have a more indepth article on DRYeye Forte here
With its higher concentration of EPA and DHA fish oils as well as additional vitamin D3, vitamin E, DryEye Forte targets multiple aspects of dry eye syndrome, including inflammation, tear quality, and overall ocular health. Additionally, to achieve a similar level of EPA and DHA fish oils as just three DryEye Forte capsules, you would need to take six Lacritec capsules.
Lacritec may be the preferred option if you have hypercalcemia or kidney disease where Vitamin D supplementation could cause issues.
We recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics.
It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg
For over two decades, my greatest passion has been helping people of all ages live improved lives through better vision. At Eyes by Design, vision is so much more than being able to see clearly or read small letters from far away; it determines your perceptions and reactions every second of the day.
Read more about Dr Nick
