Your optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information to your brain. If you have high eye pressure, this could damage these nerve fibers and cause gradual loss of your side vision. Glaucoma medications often cause redness and irritation on the surface of your eyes. You may wish to talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using alternatives such as cod liver oil to help with pressure control.
Eye Pressure
Aqueous humor is a thin, water-like fluid that fills the front section of your eye, an area called the anterior chamber. Your body constantly produces aqueous, and as the fluid enters the eye, some of the older fluid must drain out. If you do not have the proper balance of aqueous humor coming in and going out, this may lead to an increased intraocular pressure.
Benefits
Cod liver oil contains omega-3, an essential fatty acid that aids in growth and development. According to Dr. Gary Heiting and Gina White of AllAboutVision.com, omega-3 fatty acids may help aqueous fluid drain properly, and this could help prevent high eye pressure. The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil cannot provide enough reduction in eye pressure to claim this nutrient as a proper treatment for glaucoma. However, you and your doctor may determine that cod liver oil, used in conjunction with prescription glaucoma medications, may help control your condition. If your doctor agrees that cod liver oil may work for you, she will tell you how much to use each day.
Other Sources
The omega-3 found in other sources will offer these potential benefits as well. Fish oil capsules may not contain cod liver oil, but may be rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel. Other supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed oil capsules. Many foods contain omega-3, such as fish such as salmon and mackerel. Plant-based sources of omega-3 include ground flaxseed, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.
Considerations
You should not rely on cod liver oil or other omega-3 sources to help you control your eye pressure. Talk with your doctor about using this nutrient to aid in drainage, and she can help you determine the possible effects of using omega-3. Your doctor can also help you determine if you take any medications or have any health conditions that may interact with cod liver oil or other sources of omega-3.
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