Fish oil supplements typically come from certain types of fish, including salmon, cod liver and mackerel. The oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that may provide benefits to your eyes. If you plan to use fish oil, you should first consult with your doctor since the supplement may cause complications if used with certain medical conditions or treatments. Your doctor will also inform you as to the optimal dosage of fish oil for the health of your eyes.
Dry Eye
Dry eye typically results when your eyes fail to provide enough tears to lubricate the surface of your eyes. This often causes surface irritation, redness and periods of blurred vision. A study conducted by Biljana Miljanovic et al that was published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2005 determined that an increased intake of omega-3s may reduce the occurrence of dry eye syndrome in women. If you have dry eye, you may need to talk to your doctor about the potential benefits of using fish oil. She can help you determine if this supplement is the right choice for your general health, and if she recommends using the supplement, she will tell you the correct dosage to take.
Disease Prevention
Macular degeneration is one of the most common eye diseases in older adults. This condition can lead to vision changes, including blindness, and treatments will not usually correct vision lost to this devastating disease. Prevention plays a key part in preventing vision loss, and the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help reduce your risk for this condition, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have a risk of macular degeneration or other types of eye disease, talk with your doctor to see if she thinks fish oil may help protect the health of your eyes.
Other Sources
In addition getting omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements, you can select foods that are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You may choose to eat fish such as salmon and mackerel for omega-3s. Flaxseed, such as ground or flaxseed oil, contains omega-3 fatty acids. Other plant-based sources of these fatty acids include pumpkin seeds and walnuts.
Considerations
Omega-3 fatty acids may increase your risk for bleeding if you take blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder. Check with your doctor before taking fish oil supplements for your eyes or other purposes to ensure that omega-3 will not interfere with other treatments or health conditions.
Member Comments