As optometrists, we’re often asked whether supplements can genuinely help protect eye health or relieve ongoing symptoms. For many conditions, nutrition plays a supportive role. One area where the evidence is particularly strong is dry eye disease.

Clinical research consistently shows that diet and targeted supplementation can improve tear quality, reduce inflammation, and support long‑term comfort. For this reason, supplements are often an important part of a comprehensive dry eye management plan.

Two supplements commonly discussed are Lacritec and DRYeye Forte. Both are designed to support dry eye relief, but they differ significantly in formulation, strength, and how effectively their ingredients work in the body.

This comparison explains those differences clearly, so you can make an informed choice.

Ingredient Comparison at a Glance

DRYeye Forte

• 667 mg re‑esterified omega‑3 triglycerides per capsule
  • 240 mg EPA
  • 160 mg DHA
• 455 mg borage oil providing 100 mg GLA
• Vitamin D3 200 IU
• Natural vitamin E 40 IU

Lacritec

• 332 mg omega‑3 triglycerides per capsule
  • 134 mg EPA
  • 66.8 mg DHA
• 334 mg flaxseed oil
  • Provides 192 mg ALA
• 434 mg borage oil providing 95.5 mg GLA
• No vitamin D3
• No vitamin E

Why the Type of Omega‑3 Matters

Both products contain omega‑3 fatty acids, but not all omega‑3s behave the same way in the body.

Lacritec includes flaxseed oil, which contains ALA. While ALA is technically an omega‑3, the human body converts only a small percentage of ALA into the forms that matter most for dry eye relief: EPA and DHA. Research suggests that only around 8–12 percent of ALA is converted into EPA, with most being used as an energy source instead.

DRYeye Forte delivers EPA and DHA directly, in higher concentrations and in a re‑esterified form. This manufacturing process improves absorption and bioavailability, meaning more of the active ingredients reach the tissues where they are needed.

When comparing effective EPA and DHA levels:

• Three capsules of DRYeye Forte provide substantially more EPA and DHA than three capsules of Lacritec.
• To match the EPA and DHA content of three DRYeye Forte capsules, you would need to take approximately six Lacritec capsules.

Both products recommend three capsules daily during the initial treatment phase, which makes this difference clinically relevant.

Fish Oil Quality and Sourcing

Both supplements are manufactured in Australia using high‑quality fish oils derived from small cold‑water fish such as sardines and anchovies sourced from Peru. Smaller fish accumulate fewer toxins, and both oils undergo purification and deodorisation to remove impurities and reduce fishy aftertaste.

DRYeye Forte uses re‑esterified triglyceride fish oil, which has been shown to absorb more efficiently than standard ethyl ester forms. This improves consistency and reduces gastrointestinal side effects for many people.

The Role of Vitamin D and Vitamin E

One of the key differences between the two supplements is that DRYeye Forte includes vitamin D3 and natural vitamin E.

Vitamin D3

Low vitamin D levels are strongly associated with dry eye symptoms. Research suggests vitamin D may:

• Reduce ocular inflammation
• Improve tear stability
• Support surface healing
• Reduce light sensitivity and ocular discomfort

Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays a dual role. It provides antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory support and also protects omega‑3 fatty acids from oxidation. Long‑term fish oil supplementation can increase the body’s demand for vitamin E, so including it helps maintain balance and optimise omega‑3 metabolism.

Lacritec does not contain either vitamin D3 or vitamin E.

Tolerability and Safety

Both supplements are generally well tolerated when used as directed.

Possible side effects for both products may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as reflux, bloating, or loose stools. These effects are usually dose‑related.

People taking blood‑thinning medications or with bleeding disorders should seek medical advice before starting either supplement.

Because DRYeye Forte contains vitamin D3, individuals with hypercalcaemia, kidney disease, or conditions affected by vitamin D should consult their doctor before use. In these situations, Lacritec may be more appropriate.

As with all supplements, medical advice is recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic health conditions.

Which One Is the Better Choice?

For most people with moderate to severe dry eye disease, DRYeye Forte offers broader and more targeted support due to:

• Higher effective EPA and DHA content
• Improved absorption through re‑esterified fish oil
• Added vitamin D3 and vitamin E for inflammatory control and tear support

Lacritec may still be suitable for people with very mild symptoms or those who cannot take vitamin D supplementation.

The Takeaway

Both supplements can play a role in dry eye management, but they are not equivalent.

DRYeye Forte delivers higher therapeutic doses of the most effective omega‑3s and includes additional nutrients that support inflammation control, tear quality, and ocular surface health. For many patients, this translates to better symptom relief with fewer capsules.

As always, the best supplement is the one chosen as part of a personalised dry eye treatment plan. If you are unsure which option is right for you, we recommend discussing it with your optometrist or healthcare provider.

Lacritec or DRYeye Forte FAQs

Which is better for dry eye: Lacritec or DRYeye Forte?

For most people with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms, DRYeye Forte is the more effective option. It contains higher levels of EPA and DHA (the active omega-3s shown to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality), as well as added vitamin D3 and vitamin E for additional anti-inflammatory and ocular surface support. Lacritec may still be beneficial in milder cases or where vitamin D supplementation isn’t appropriate.

What is the main difference between Lacritec and DRYeye Forte?

The major difference lies in both formulation and potency. DRYeye Forte uses highly bioavailable re-esterified fish oils with clinically relevant doses of EPA and DHA, along with vitamin D3 and natural vitamin E. Lacritec includes flaxseed oil, which contains ALA — a less efficient omega-3 source that the body converts in small amounts to EPA and DHA.

How many capsules of Lacritec equal the EPA/DHA dose of DRYeye Forte?

To match the EPA and DHA content of three DRYeye Forte capsules, you would need to take approximately six Lacritec capsules. That’s due to Lacritec’s lower omega-3 concentration and its reliance on ALA, which only partially converts to the more active forms used by the body.

Can I take DRYeye Forte if I have kidney disease or high calcium levels?

If you have kidney disease or hypercalcemia, speak to your healthcare provider before starting DRYeye Forte. The added vitamin D3 may not be suitable for individuals with these conditions. In such cases, Lacritec — which doesn’t contain vitamin D — may be a better option.

Do I need to keep taking dry eye supplements forever?

Not necessarily. Many people start with a higher dose (three capsules per day) for 6–8 weeks and then reassess with their optometrist. Some may reduce to a maintenance dose or stop entirely if symptoms resolve. However, ongoing use may be helpful for chronic or seasonal dry eye, particularly if underlying inflammation or oil gland dysfunction remains.