There are many reasons people suffer from dry eyes, from being exposed to a draught during the commute to staring at a computer screen all day. But now new research from India claims fish oil supplements are the answer.

For a three-month study, researchers selected 478 people who complained of dry eye as a result of computer use. To test their theory, they were given either two omega-3 pills or placebo pills containing olive oil daily.

The findings were published in the Contact Lens & Anterior Eye journal and showed that the symptoms of those who took fish oil had a far greater reduction. Conjunctival goblet cells, which produce lubrication, were also far more prevalent on the surface of the eyes of the fish-oil takers.

But why does it work so well? The theory is that omega-3 reduces inflammation and promotes circulation, which leads to greater eye health and tear production.

One of the easiest ways to get omega-3 is by heading to your local health food store and stocking up on fish-oil capsules (don't worry: they don't taste fishy!).

If you want to get omega-3 the natural way, your best bet is fresh fish. Start stocking up on halibut, fresh tuna and salmon.

Vegetarians can get their fix with walnuts or grains fortified with omega-3. Look out for bread, cereal and pasta that has it in the ingredients list.

It's also present in leafy green vegetables such as kale, parsley, spinach and Brussels sprouts.

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