Can Fish Oil Cause Eye Blurriness?

Can Fish Oil Cause Eye Blurriness?
Photo Credit Fish oil vitamins image by Stephen VanHorn from Fotolia.com

A sudden change in your vision requires an examination from your doctor. During the exam, she may discuss your general health and the medications you currently take, as well as evaluate your risk factors for eye conditions that could involve your vision. If you started taking a new medication or supplement around the time your vision changed, you should inform your eye doctor. However, many supplements, such as fish oil, do not have known effects on your vision.

Blurry Vision

A gradual change in your eyeglass prescription will typically lead to noticeable blurry vision. This does not necessarily indicate an eye condition, but may simply result from the natural aging process of your eye. However, some eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts will cause a slow, progressive change to your vision. Sudden vision changes could indicate a serious medical condition such as a retinal detachment. In some instances, medications may have side effects that cause blurriness. Your doctor will evaluate you medications and compare the known side effects with your symptoms.

Fish Oil

If you take fish oil capsules, this supplement is not likely to cause blurred vision. In fact, the omega-3s in fish oil may offer protection against eye diseases such as macular degeneration, a condition that causes permanent vision loss. You should not put fish oil directly into your eyes since this does not have any known benefit. Instilling fish oil in this manner may result in blurred vision and may also cause irritation on the surface of your eye.

Side Effects

Fish oil may cause indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes or nosebleeds, explains MedlinePlus. In high doses, fish oil may also increase your risk for bleeding, especially if you have a blood disorder or take blood-thinning medications. High doses may also affect your immune system, resulting in an increased risk for infection.

Considerations

Blurry vision requires an evaluation from your doctor. If you have concerns that fish oil or another supplement may have caused the changes, you should inform your doctor of all the medications and supplements you currently use. He will check your vision, dilate your eyes and perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your vision change. If she suspects a medication or supplement may have caused the change, she may recommend that you discontinue use.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: Jan 28, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments