The macula is an area on the back lining of your eye that aids in clear vision. Macular degeneration results when the cells in the macula break down. In some forms of the condition, abnormal vessels may grow and leak under the macula, destroying tissue. Many people have permanent vision loss from this condition, and treatments do not usually restore vision. Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 found in fish oil, may help prevent macular degeneration.
Symptoms
Early macular degeneration may result in changes in your central vision - the vision required for reading and other tasks. You may have a blurred area, require additional lighting or notice changes in colors. In advanced stages, macular degeneration can cause waving or bending in objects you know have straight lines. This devastating condition may also result in the complete loss of your central vision.
Omega-3
For most people with macular degeneration, treatment options will not reverse damage, which makes prevention one of the most important roles in helping you keep your vision. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may offer some protection against eye disease. In a 2006 study conducted by the University of Ottawa Eye Institute, researchers noted conflicting results on the benefits of omega-3 in macular degeneration disease prevention. As a result, researchers must continue to evaluate the effects of omega-3 in order to determine if omega-3 will, in fact, provide protection.
Fish Oil
Many fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, and many doctors recommend eating these types of fish two or more times a week. If your doctor determines that the omega-3 found in fish oil may have offer some amount of prevention against macular degeneration, she may determine that you need to take an omega-3 supplement each day. The dosage will vary widely, depending on any health conditions you have and the medications and supplements you take. Your doctor will work with you to determine an appropriate dosage.
Additional Sources
Some people find that taking fish oil supplements cause burping and other gastric upset, or they cannot take fish oil for other reasons. Flax seed oil capsules provide a plant-based alternative to fish oil, or you can eat foods such as ground flax seed or walnuts for omega-3.
Considerations
If you want to start taking omega-3 as a preventative measure for macular degeneration, you should consult with your doctor. She can not only help you determine the appropriate dosage, but she can inform you of any risk factors or possible drug interactions.
