Fish oil is a substance that you can consume through eating fatty fish such as salmon and herring, or you can take fish oil supplements. Fish oil contains omeaga-3 fatty acids, and some doctors recommend this nutrient as a way to help prevent or manage certain health conditions. As well, if you have a have certain eye conditions, or have a risk for eye disease, your doctor may recommend fish oil or other form of omega-3.
Prevention
Preventing certain eye diseases is one benefit fish oil may have on your eyes. In 2007 the National Institutes of Health released the findings of a study showing that omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, could help prevent retinopathy. The retinopathy disease will damage your retina, the tissue lining inside the posterior section of your eye. Retinopathy can result from many sources, such as diabetes.
As of 2011, the National Eye Institute continues to study the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of macular degeneration. This eye disease damages the macula, a central spot of tissue on the retina. Damage results in vision changes, but many people with macular degeneration suffer from blindness.
Treatment
Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, and this could prove beneficial for people who suffer from dry eye. In many cases, dry eye will cause inflammation in the tissue that covers the white of your eye, and this could result in an increase in the severity of irritation, discomfort and redness of your eye. Fish oil and other omega-3 sources could help reduce this inflammation. You may not notice any immediate effects, but the inflammation may decrease over time. If your doctor recommends fish oil for your condition, keep in mind that fish oil will not directly treat dry eye or improve your natural tear production.
Other Sources
Some people may not wish to eat fatty fish or take fish oil supplements, and this may stem from a lifestyle choice, such as eating a plant-based diet. However, some people may wish to avoid fish oil supplements because of the potential side effects, and these include stomach upset and burping. Other beneficial sources of omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flaxseed. If you need to take a daily supplement, talk with your doctor about using flaxseed oil capsules.
Considerations
You should not begin taking fish oil or other omega-3 supplements without first consulting with your doctor. She can help you determine if this is an appropriate supplement for you to take, and if you both decide this is the best option, your doctor will tell you how much fish oil to take each day.
References
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil: November 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: NIH News: Omega-# Fatty Acids Protect Eyes Against Retinopathy, Study Finds: June 2007
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2)
- All About Vision; Using Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil to Relieve Dry Eye; Gary Heiting, OD; March 2010
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