Not every fish-oil bottle is designed with dry eye in mind. Some provide only a few hundred milligrams of EPA and DHA, some emphasize DHA rather than EPA, and others do not identify the chemical form of the oil. PRN De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits stands out because the dose, ratio, rTG form and Canadian product licence all point toward a very specific use case.

This guide explains what is inside PRN De3, why it is frequently recommended by eye-care professionals, what the research can and cannot prove, and how the coming EyePromise name change fits into the Canadian story.

What is PRN De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits?

PRN De3 is an oral natural health product for adults. Rather than coating the ocular surface like an eye drop, it supplies long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 systemically. Health Canada's Natural Health Product Licence Database lists it under NPN 80101489.

The licensed Canadian directions are three capsules once daily. That serving supplies the following:

The total labelled EPA plus DHA is 2,240 mg per day. The formula also contains additional omega-3 fatty acids, with fish oil sourced from species such as anchovy, sardine and mackerel. The capsules contain bovine gelatin and a soy-derived mixed tocopherol, so the product is not vegetarian and may not suit every allergy profile.

Why is PRN De3 considered a top dry-eye omega?

“Top” should mean more than expensive packaging or a large fish-oil number on the front label. A serious comparison should examine the amount of EPA and DHA—not merely total fish oil—the ratio between them, the oil form, the serving burden, the quality controls and the claims the Canadian regulator has authorized.

PRN De3 performs strongly on that checklist:

• High active dose: 2,240 mg of EPA plus DHA in three capsules.
• Deliberate 3:1 EPA:DHA ratio: a high-EPA profile rather than a general wellness blend.
• Re-esterified triglyceride form: an absorbable form that has shown stronger long-term incorporation than ethyl esters in some comparative research.
• Vitamin D3 included: 1,000 IU per daily serving.
• Dry-eye-specific Canadian licence: the NPN entry includes claims involving OSDI symptom scores, tear osmolarity, tear break-up time and MMP-9 in dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction.
• Three-softgel routine: a concentrated format available in 30-, 60- and 90-day bottle sizes.

That combination makes PRN De3 one of the most complete dry-eye omega formulas available through EyeDropShop. It does not mean that every person will respond, that it replaces an eye exam, or that a less expensive formula cannot be appropriate. For a closer look at the numbers, read why PRN De3 uses a 3:1 EPA:DHA ratio.

What does the Health Canada licence actually say?

The NPN is especially important because it separates authorized Canadian wording from broader marketing language used in other countries. The current licence states that De3 helps improve signs and relieve symptoms of dry eyes associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, including improvements measured by OSDI, tear osmolarity and tear break-up time. It also references MMP-9, an inflammatory marker in the tear film.

This does not turn a supplement into a cure or guarantee a result. It means Health Canada reviewed evidence supporting the approved conditions of use. Consumers should still follow the Canadian label and discuss persistent symptoms with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

What is rTG omega-3?

Concentrated fish oil is often converted into an ethyl ester form during processing. In an rTG product, the fatty acids are reattached to a glycerol backbone after concentration and purification. The result is a re-esterified triglyceride structure.

A six-month randomized comparison found a larger rise in the omega-3 index with re-esterified triglycerides than with an equal dose in ethyl ester form. That supports the practical importance of form, but it does not establish a universal “three times better” rule for every product, meal and person. Bioavailability varies with formulation and whether capsules are taken with food containing fat.

What do clinical trials show?

The evidence deserves a balanced answer. A 2016 randomized trial studied the same 1,680 mg EPA and 560 mg DHA rTG dose in people with dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction. After 12 weeks, the omega-3 group improved more than safflower-oil control on tear osmolarity, tear break-up time, OSDI scores and MMP-9.

However, the large 2018 DREAM trial tested a different omega-3 regimen—2,000 mg EPA and 1,000 mg DHA in ethyl ester form—and found no meaningful advantage over an olive-oil placebo after one year. More recently, a 2024 randomized trial using De3 at 1,680 mg EPA and 560 mg DHA did not find a symptom advantage over grapeseed oil after 12 weeks in a smaller MGD population.

Meanwhile, a 2023 meta-analysis of randomized trials reported overall improvements and found that higher dose, longer duration and higher EPA percentage were associated with greater symptom reduction. The studies differed greatly in formulation, populations and controls, which is one reason conclusions remain inconsistent.

How long should you try it?

Omega-3 supplements are not fast-acting lubricating drops. The current directions recommend daily, consistent use, and the brand advises allowing about 90 days to evaluate a response. Taking it sporadically for a week is unlikely to be a useful test.

Use the full labelled serving unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise, take it with a meal, and track symptoms using the same questions over time: burning, grittiness, end-of-day comfort, contact-lens tolerance and reliance on rescue drops. Our PRN De3 dosage and safety guide explains how to run a sensible 90-day trial.

Who should ask a healthcare professional first?

Ask before starting if you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, have a bleeding disorder, are preparing for surgery, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a fish or soy allergy, take other vitamin D products or have a condition affected by vitamin D or calcium. Health Canada's record specifically advises consultation during pregnancy or breastfeeding and if dry-eye symptoms persist or worsen.

New pain, significant redness, discharge, injury, light sensitivity or a sudden change in vision should be assessed rather than managed with a supplement trial.

Is PRN De3 becoming EyePromise De3?

Yes—in the United States, De3 has moved to EyePromise branding with “new look, same formula” messaging. PRN Vision Group, EyePromise and Avenova have been brought together under the EyePromise identity. Canadian stock is still sold as PRN De3 at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

Is PRN De3 a medication?

It is a licensed Canadian natural health product, not a prescription dry-eye medication. It should complement—not replace—diagnosis and a complete dry-eye plan.

Can I take fewer than three softgels?

Three daily is the licensed adult dose and the amount that delivers the stated formula. Ask your healthcare professional before changing it.

Does it replace warm compresses or eye drops?

No. Dry eye is multifactorial. Omega-3 may be one part of a plan that also addresses eyelids, meibomian glands, tear replacement, environment and prescription treatment when needed.

Sources

• EyeDropShop Canada: PRN De3 product page
• Health Canada Natural Health Product Licence Database: NPN 80101489
• EyePromise: De3 Omega Benefits
• Epitropoulos et al., 2016
• DREAM Research Group, 2018
• JAMA Ophthalmology randomized trial, 2024
• Wang and Ko meta-analysis, 2023
• Neubronner et al.: rTG versus ethyl ester incorporation

This article is educational and does not replace advice from an optometrist, ophthalmologist, pharmacist or physician. Product formulas and packaging can change; check the current Canadian label.