Blackcurrants soothe dry eyes

Could a blackcurrant and fish oil supplement help dry eye syndrome? In a new U.S. trial, women aged 40 and older are being given the treatment to test if it is effective.

Around two million Britons suffer from dry eye syndrome, where you do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.

This can lead to eyes drying out and becoming inflamed, and sometimes to a deterioration of vision. 

In the U.S. trial, the supplement will be taken by patients every day.

The omega fatty acids, vitamin C and other antioxidants found in blackcurrants and fish oils are thought to work as anti-inflammatories. Inflammation is an underlying cause of dry eye syndrome.