Macular degeneration affects the light-receiving cells that make up the central tissue lining the inner back of your eye. This tissue, called the macula, provides you with the central vision you need to recognize faces and perform tasks throughout your day. Damage to the macular tissue will damage this vision, and treatment will not typically restore vision. Knowing if nutrients such as alpha linolenic acid will prevent the disease or increase your risks may help you protect your vision.
Alpha Linolenic Acid
Your body needs omega-3 for development, growth and the function of processes, and alpha linolenic acid is one type of this fatty acid. This form of omega-3 stems from plant sources such as walnuts, soy products and flaxseed. Research indicates potential health benefits in using alpha linolenic acid, and these include reducing inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis and Crohn's disease, an inflammatory condition of the bowel. Alpha linolenic acid may also help control blood pressure and cholesterol.
Studies
In a study released in 2001, researchers from the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health showed that increased fat intakes will also increase the risk for age-related macular degeneration. The research did not point specifically to alpha linolenic acid as the cause for increased risk, but the findings suggested a high intake of this type of fatty acid could have such an effect. Study findings led researchers to believe the omega-3 in fish sources may have a preventative effect. Fish oil contains two types of omega-3: docosahexaeonic acid and eicosapentaeonic acid.
As of 2011, the National Eye Institute Continues to study and evaluate the role of omega-3 to determine if any form of this fatty acid may offer some amount of protection against the disease.
Symptoms
Macular degeneration may cause blurred central vision that may improve somewhat in bright lighting. As the condition progresses, you may not notice improvement, and you may feel as if you have a blind spot in the central area of your vision. In advanced cases you may notice straight-lined objects such as telephone poles appear bent or jagged.
Considerations
You should not begin taking omega-3 fatty acids unless you first discuss the potential risks with your doctor. These risks may not only include an increased risk for macular degeneration if you take alpha linolenic acid, but you may also risk increasing the effects of blood thinning medication or interactions with health conditions and other medications.
References
- National Eye Institute; Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration; September
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Alpha-Linolenic Acid; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 2009
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Prospective Study of Dietary Fat and the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration; E. Cho, et al.; February 2001
- ClinicalTrials.gov; Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2); January 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid; April 2011
