This invention relates to methods for improving the quality of the meibum composition of the meibomian glands to enhance or improve the lipid layer of the tear and increase tear breakup time by way of elevating the omega-3 index in patients suffering from symptoms of dry eye, posterior blepharitis, and/or meibomian gland dysfunction. The methods comprise administering a supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids to a patient having an inflamed meibomian gland so as to facilitate an increase in the amount of omega-3's acting as an anti-inflammatory and, respectively, decrease the amount of omega-6's (arachidonic acid) acting as an inflammatory in the composition of the meibum, thereby normalizing the lipid layer of the tear and effectively reducing the associated symptoms. In certain embodiments, the supplementation of omega-3's comprises the esterified or re-esterified triglyceride form.
