Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that aid in growth, development and brain function, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Among the many potential benefits of fish oil, omega-3s may play an important role in preventing or reducing the risks for certain eye conditions. Understanding these potential benefits may help you and your health care provider determine if fish oil supplements could help you keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy.
Sources
Eating certain types of fish, such as salmon, halibut and tuna will provide the omega-3s your body needs. In order to have a daily dose, you would need to make fish a part of your daily diet plan. As a result, you may need to use fish oil capsules to supplement your diet, providing you with the necessary amount of omega-3s. You can locate fish oil capsules in most drugstores, but if you have difficulty, you should ask your pharmacist.
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when the eye cannot make enough tears to keep the surface of the eye lubricated, but some people may also have symptoms if they have poor tear quality. Without proper lubrication on the surface of the eye, you may experience discomfort, redness and fluctuation in vision. For some people who have dry eyes, taking fish oil may help ease the symptoms, explains Dr. Gary Heiting of All About Vision.
Additional Eye Benefits
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a vision-threatening condition. Taking fish oil supplements also may benefit people with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that affects the back lining of the eye, the sensitive tissue layer called the retina. Retinitis pigmentosa often results in night blindness, tunnel vision and complete blindness. Research suggests that fish oil could slow down the rate of vision loss, explains the Bastyr Center for Natural Health.
Considerations
Many people who take fish oil supplements do not experience side effects. Since each person reacts differently to medications and supplements, you may have a reaction. Fish oil supplements may cause upset stomach or diarrhea, as well as acid reflux and heartburn, says Heiting. You may also burp more frequently, and the burp may have a fish aftertaste. To reduce or eliminate the fish taste, try refrigerating or freezing your fish oil capsules.
Alternatives
If you cannot take fish oil, you may need to find other sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil offers omega-3s. You will also find omega-3s in soybeans, pumpkin seeds and walnuts, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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