Visual Function & Fish Oil Benefits

What are the benefits of fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids to visual function?  They are several.  Here’s a look at the subject of sight.

The eye is something like a camera.  You could think of the eyelids as a shutter.  When the eyes are open, light passes through the cornea and crystalline lens.  An image is projected onto the retina, as it would be onto a piece of film.  The image is quickly transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.  We see and we understand what it is we are looking at, within moments.

The macula is a small spot within the retina.  That’s where central vision occurs.  A variety of diseases affect the retina and the macula.  One of the benefits of fish oil or omega-3 fat to visual function has to do with helping to prevent these diseases.

Omega-3 fats are found in the retina.  60% of those fats are DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid.  Studies have shown that people with age-related macular degeneration have low levels of DHA circulating in their bloodstream, along with low levels of the nutrients zeaxanthin and lutein.  Supplementation of all three is recommended for people that have a family history of the disease and for those that have other risk factors.

DHA Fish Oil Source 

DHA has been shown to support visual function in degenerative eye diseases by controlling cell loss.  The cell membranes are made up of essential fatty acids. 
The benefits of fish oil also include protection of the optic nerve.  It is necessary for healthy brain function.  40% of the brain is the omega-3 DHA.  In order to have good visual function, we must have healthy brains and nerves.  Essential fatty acids form a protective sheath over the nerves of the body.

Glaucoma Risk Benefit

Because of its natural anti-inflammatory activity, the benefits of fish oil may include a reduced risk of glaucoma.  Because of its anti-cholesterol activity, it further reduces the risk of macular degeneration.  High cholesterol is a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, as is heart disease.

Heart Benefit

One of the best known benefits of omega-3 fatty acids has to do with the heart.  It prevents platelet aggregation, which means that it reduces the risk of blood clots and hardening of the arteries.  It improves circulation throughout the body, including circulation in the tiny blood vessels that nourish the eyes.

Aging Benefits
 
Increased omega-3 intake reduces the risk of a large number of age-related diseases, but at the same time, you should focus on reducing intake of other types of dietary fat.  Most health experts recommend that the main dishes be whole grains like wild rice, beans, legumes, vegetables and fruits.  Meats and oils should be used sparingly, except for fish and fish oils, which can be consumed seven days a week.

In addition to supporting good visual function, the benefits of fish oil may include good mental health, improved joint function, improved appearance of the skin and improved immune system function.  It’s definitely a supplement worth taking. Not all fish oil is the same. 

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 WOMEN'S Issues & Fish Oil Benefits