Omega Fatty Acids For Macular Degeneration

Omega-3 fatty acids, one group of omega fats, are implicated in the prevention and treatment of an array of diseases and conditions including disorders of the visual system. Macular degeneration, an age-related disorder of the eyes, has proven amenable to nutritional intervention when vitamin and mineral supplements are used, so current research is directed at the question of whether omega-3s can help as well.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the main cause of blindness for people over 60, according to MedlinePlus. No cure exists for AMD and treatment typically only slows its progression, rather than halting it entirely. The disease usually begins as dry AMD, in which cells of the macula of the eye break down, causing blurred central vision. When left untreated, this can progress into wet AMD, in which blood vessels under the macula begin to exhibit abnormal growth. According to 2010 information from the National Eye Institute, about 7 million people in the United States are at risk of severe vision loss from macular degeneration.

Omega Fatty Acids

The two types of omega fats are omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats. Both are considered essential fats since the body can't make them internally, but omega-3 fatty acids in particular have been linked to the health of the visual system. These fats form an important component of cell membranes in the eye. The best sources are fatty fish and seafood, but omega-3s are also found in flax seed, algae and walnuts.

Previous Research

A July 2006 review in the journal "Opthalmology" looked at six studies and found some evidence of a protective effect when using omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention of macular degeneration, but the overall results were mixed. In a separate study published in August 2008 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers found a significant decrease in AMD for study participants with high intake levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, found in fatty fish.

Current Research

According to Eye Care America, a national clinical study called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, or AREDS 2, is currently underway. The study was launched in 2006 and involves 4000 patients between the ages of 50 and 85 with AMD. It is a follow-up study for the original AREDS study, which found that a combination of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper helped reduce the likelihood that intermediate AMD would progress into advanced AMD. The AREDS 2 study adds omega-3 fatty acids and the phytochemicals, lutein and zeaxanthin to the original formulation.

Considerations

Consuming excess trans fats, common in processed foods, can interfere with the absorption of omega-3 fatty acids. Also, it is important to keep the ratio of omega-3 fats to omega-6 fats below 1:4, according to All About Vision. Most Americans have far too many omega-6 fatty acids in their diet, since these omega fats are found in commonly used foods such as vegetable cooking oils.