Long chain omega 3 fats shown again to be important for eye health

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 in the UK.  I have previously written about this condition but to re-cap:  

The macular is the light sensitive area in the centre of the retina that controls visual field and the ability to see colours.  AMD is caused by the deterioration of the macular.  As this happens the peripheral, outer, vision remains intact as the centre field of vision becomes slowly blurry, grey or filled with a large black spot.  Two forms of AMD exists: the dry form which develops slowly, accounting for 90% of all cases; and the wet form which causes rapid deterioration of central vision. 

The exact causes of AMD are unknown although free radical damage, where unstable oxygen molecules damage the eye cells, is strongly implicated.  Tobacco smoke and sun exposure can increase the level of free radicals in the body and both are a risk for AMD.  High blood pressure and diabetes are also risk factors as these conditions can limit blood flow to the eyes.  For more information please visit Macular Disease Society website.  The Macular Disease Society aims to build confidence and independence for those with central vision impairment.  They are the only UK charity dedicated to helping people with macular degeneration and offer information, a helpline, counselling and emotional support among other resources.

Previously I have gone into detail as to why long chain omega 3 fatty acids may be important for eye health and written about various published studies.  A new paper (1) has just been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which adds further weight to the evidence.  The researchers of this study(1) wanted to investigate whether long chain omega 3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are found in oily fish such as mackerel, trout, sardines and salmon, are associated with a reduced likelihood of developing AMD.  The study involved over 1800 people who were are risk of developing AMD,.  The individuals were followed from 1992 to 2005 and their diets were assessed vial a special validated questionnaire.  The results show that participants who reported the highest long chain omega 3 intakes were 30% less likely than their peers to develop AMD.  This study showed a strong association between omega 3 fatty acids and protection against AMD but further trials would be needed to prove cause and effect.  The authors conclude that “If these results are generalizable, they may guide the development of low-cost and easily implemented preventive interventions for progression to advanced AMD”

Long chain omega 3 fats certainly seems to be part of the story.  Antioxidants and other nutrients have also been implicated in the protection against eye disease.  Please read my previous posts on AMD and cataract for more information on how certain nutrients may be important for good eye health.  It is not yet recommended that omega 3 supplements be taken specifically for protection against AMD, however these fats are vital for health for a number of reasons, if you do not regularly (at least twice a week) eat oily fish you may wish to consider a fish oil supplement.  Vegetarians and vegans can take a flaxseed oil supplement (which provides short chain omega 3 fatty acids) or look into buying EPA/DHA supplements produced from algae, these supplements are becoming increasingly available.

(1)SanGiovanni JP et al.  2009.  omega–3 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and 12-y incidence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and central geographic atrophy: AREDS report 30, a prospective cohort study from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study.  Am J Clin Nutr 2009;90 1601-1607
Written by Ani Kowal

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