Omega-3 fatty acids beneficial to eye health
Article Tags: omega-3 fatty acids
Retina is one of the most important parts of the eye. Modern studies have found out that different eye parts can benefit from different nutrients. For retina, omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial. This group of acids is a major component of the retina. In detail, Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA accounts for 60% of the fatty acids in the retina. So it is quite reasonable that omega-fatty acids are commonly recommended to support the eye health. Moreover, they are multi-functional eye nutrient.
Why omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to retina health
In fact, the principle behind omega-3 fatty acids for retina health is the same as the one that lutein and zeaxanthin are beneficial to the macula. These two nutrients are the major pigments in the macula. And there are many other nutrients that benefit different parts of the eye, ensuring overall eye health. For example, deficiency in beta-carotene is associated with blindness and other vision problems. This explains the phenomenon of eating carrots by village folks, expecting to improve eyesight. In particular, DHA that can be found in fish oil is believed to be the most important nutrient for continued eye health.
The same principle of lutein and zeaxanthin intake for AMD prevention
A common sense is that different parts of the eye are responsible for different visual functions. The macula as the central part of the retina manages central vision, while the rest of retina is responsible for peripheral vision. Closely associated with nutrient deficiency in the macula, macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in the world. More specifically, lack of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula is considered as the major cause of AMD. As a result, these two nutrients are commonly recommended.
Omega-3 fatty acids also benefit macula health
As a major component of the retina, omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent both of the two forms of macular degeneration. In dry form of macular degeneration, plaque forms on the retina. Fish oil supplements can be used to lower LDL cholesterol levels, which are the main component of the plaque. Another form is wet macular degeneration, in which omega-3 fatty acids can be used to support healthy circulation and blood vessel strength.
The overall eye health gain help from omega-3 fatty acids
As mentioned above, omega-3 fatty acids as a major component of the retina can firstly contribute to retina health. Yet they are also helpful for the prevention of both forms of AMD. In fact, this kind of acid is not limited to these two separate benefits. In detail, Docosahexaenoic acid accounts for 40% of the fatty acids in the brain and 50% of the weight of the membrane. Since visual function highly depends on nerve and brain health, omega-3 fatty acids available in fish oil are very essential to keep eye health.