Eye Nutrition: How does Omega-3 work?

What is Omega-3?

What is omega-3? Let’s start with its basic definition. When discussing omega-3, it actually refers to a class of fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are crucial for human health as they play key roles in many physiological processes. However, the human body cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so we need to obtain them through diet or supplements.

In our daily lives, omega-3 fatty acids are widely present in many foods. ALA is primarily found in some plant-based foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, etc. EPA and DHA are mainly found in fatty fish such as salmon, cod, trout, etc. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids can also be obtained through fish oil supplements. These are the most common ways that people can consume omega-3 fatty acids.

Now you may wonder how omega-3 benefit our eyes and body after realizing what omega-3 is. Actually, omega-3 plays various important roles in our health. Firstly, it’s crucial for cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clotting, and improve overall cardiovascular function.

If you’re familiar with eye conditions, you may find that eye disorders can also be prevented in this way. Eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, are closely linked to cardiovascular health issues like high blood pressure and vascular abnormalities. By addressing these underlying health concerns through Omega-3 intake, we not only prevent such diseases but also potentially reduce the risk of vision loss.

Furthermore, omega-3 is also important for brain health and cognitive function. Particularly, DHA is a major component of the brain and is essential for its development and function. It is a major structural component of the retina as well. Adequate intake of DHA supports the integrity and function of retinal cells, contributing to better visual acuity and overall eye health. Meanwhile, it may also help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

In summary, ensuring sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids not only helps prevent cardiovascular diseases but also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy eyes and reducing the risk of vision deterioration associated with age-related and vascular eye conditions. By consuming adequate omega-3 fatty acids, we can promote the health of various systems in the body and enhance overall well-being.

How does Omega-3 Benefit the Eyes?

There is no doubt that vision is one of the most vital senses that allows us to perceive the world around us and navigate through daily life. Beyond the simple act of seeing, vision enables us to engage in activities such as reading, driving, and enjoying the beauty of our surroundings. On the contrary, the loss of vision can have profound consequences, affecting independence, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Vision impairment can bring numerous challenges. Individuals experiencing vision loss often find themselves grappling with a loss of independence as simple tasks become increasingly difficult to perform without assistance. Moreover, safety concerns also arise, as compromised vision heightens the risk of falls and accidents, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Ultimately, vision loss can significantly diminish an individual's quality of life and make it hard to engage in activities they once enjoyed and affect their emotional well-being.

So, how do people usually lose their vision? Eye disorders can be one of the most common reasons. For instance, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dry eye syndrome, and diabetic retinopathy are among the most prevalent eye conditions affecting people worldwide. There are many people in the world losing vision due to these types of eye diseases. This is why it’s important to emphasize the necessity of preventing and treating these diseases.

Omega-3 fatty acid can play a vital role in preventing these eye diseases. Research conducted by Dr. Emily Chew and her colleagues as part of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) has shed light on the potential benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for eye health. Their findings suggest that Omega-3 supplementation, particularly with EPA and DHA, may help reduce the risk of developing AMD and slow its progression in individuals at risk.

Additionally, Dr. James V. Aquavella and his team's research on dry eye syndrome, published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)," demonstrates the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in alleviating symptoms and improving tear production in patients with the condition. Studies led by Dr. Tien Yin Wong and colleagues have also highlighted the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids against diabetic retinopathy, underscoring their potential to mitigate vascular damage and inflammation in the retina.

Recent studies have provided insights into the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids for maintaining overall health and supporting eye health specifically. For instance, research suggests that consuming at least 250-500 milligrams of combined EPA and DHA per day may confer significant health benefits, including cardiovascular protection and improved eye health.

Moreover, randomized clinical trials, such as those conducted by Dr. Barbara E.K. Klein and her team, have demonstrated the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in reducing symptoms of dry eye syndrome and slowing the progression of AMD in at-risk individuals.

Of course, daily supplementation with omega-3 primarily serves a protective and preventative role. If you have already developed a certain eye condition, it is crucial to promptly seek proper medical treatment. Moreover, most eye diseases are essentially incurable, and usually, a person's vision tends to gradually decline with age. In such circumstances, perhaps leveraging assistive technology, such as visual assistance tools like Luna 6 or Acesight VR E-glasses, may better help visually impaired people gain more independence in their daily lives.

Foods Rich in Omega-3

You may have heard that some nuts and fish are usually rich in omega-3 in some ways. But which foods actually contain omega-3 fatty acids? To be specific, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, herring, and anchovies, which are abundant in EPA and DHA. Plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds provide significant amounts of ALA. These can become the choices for you when choosing food to include in your daily diet.

To ensure and maximize the absorption of omega-3 from these foods, it's essential to choose whole foods over processed options and to cook fish carefully using methods like grilling, baking, or steaming to preserve their omega-3 content. Pairing omega-3-rich foods with sources of healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, or nuts can also enhance absorption, while adding spices such as turmeric or black pepper, as well as consuming foods high in Vitamin C, may further improve absorption.

We also have some diet suggestions to help you get enough omega-3 fatty acids. For example, aim to incorporate fatty fish into your meals at least twice a week and take nuts and seeds regularly as snacks for an omega-3 boost. Consider using flaxseed oil in cooking or salads and, if necessary, consult a healthcare professional about incorporating fish oil supplements into your routine. The last but not the least, remember to maintain a balanced diet rich in a variety of nutrients to support overall health and well-being!