Omega-3’s Fight Age-Related Eye Diseases
The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are known for improving and maintaining heart health, but they are helpful with vision problems as well. It’s said that fish oil improves fluid in retina cells, therefore, preventing retina detachment and slowing retinopathy.
There are three types of omega’s:
- ALA – Alpha-Linolenic Acid is found in plant oils, such as walnuts, soybeans, and olive oil.
- DHA – Docosahexaenoic Acid is found is fish oil. The easiest way to get it is to supplement with krill oil.
- EPA – Eicosapentaenoic Acid is also found in fish oil.
Don’t confuse omega-3’s and omega-6’s. While cutting back on heart-clogging omega-6 fatty acids, experts advise on increase omega-3 fatty acids because they are the “good” fats. These good fats promote heart heath and protect vision.
Omega-3 fatty acids work to reduce chronic inflammation, promote normal retinal functioning, treats dry eyes, reduces pain, turns light into energy, and prevents oxidant damage. Much like it works for preventing heart disease, omega-3’s are able to maintain healthy blood vessels in the eyes.
The main sources of omega-3 include:
- Fish
- Leafy vegetables
- Avocados
- Legumes
- Flax
- Oils
These days, many foods are enhanced with omega-3’s. Supplementation is another option for increasing good fats, but just any over-the-counter omega-3 won’t be sufficient. They vary in the amount of DHA and EPA and can contain other vitamins as well. Read labels careful and make sure that it has a minimum of 600 mg DHA for best results.