Glaucoma is the most common cause of preventable irreversible blindness, and the second leading cause of preventable blindness in the world. Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve as a result of increased fluid pressure in the eye. According to an article by Miller and Washington in the "2010 Healthcare Business Market Research Handbook," more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma, and less than half know about it. Consumption of fish oil has been proven to help prevent and reduce symptoms of glaucoma.
Reducing Damage
The eye can be damaged by sunlight, pollutants and other factors that can cause oxidation. Consuming a diet high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce this damage. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. A fish oil supplement can be very beneficial for those who do not consume fish at least two times per week, especially those fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as herring and salmon. These nutrients can reduce the risk of glaucoma by decreasing pressure inside the eye, according to the American Heart Association.
Benefits of Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids are well known to reduce inflammation and to reduce damage due to oxidation. This happens because omega-3 fatty acids decrease the synthesis of hormones that can lead to inflammation. In addition, according to the "American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy," omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the production of inflammatory cellular signaling molecules involved in inflammation.
Choosing a Fish Oil Supplement
People who consume less than two 3.5- to 4-oz. servings of fish per week could benefit from taking a fish oil supplement. Although walnuts, flax seeds, soy and canola oil contain omega-3 fatty acids also, the concentrations are lower than the concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements. According to a 2008 article in "Ophthamology Times," the recommended dose is 1,000mg of fish oil per day. Depending on which brand you purchase, that would usually amount to 3 to 4 capsules per day, or 1 tsp. per day of liquid fish oil.
It is important to take both quality and purity of a fish oil supplement into account. Choose one that was purified and tested, and is certified to be free of pesticides, mercury and other heavy metals. U.S. Pharmacopeia's website has a list of supplement manufacturers who follow good manufacturing practices and test their products for quality.
Drug Interactions
If you are taking blood thinners such as aspirin, Coumadin or generic sodium warfarin, it is advisable no to take fish oil supplementation due to increased risk of bleeding. It is recommended that you consult your physician for additional information if you are taking these medications and are considering a fish oil supplement.
Considerations
Supplementation with fish oil could be a very cost-effective way to help reduce and prevent vision loss due to glaucoma.
References
- "Better Nutrition"; A. Pirisi.; Volume: 69, Number: 10, October 1, 2007, p. 54
- "Review of Ophthalamology"; C. Kent.; August 2007, p. 31-37
- "The 2010 Healthcare Business Market Research Handbook": Chapter 106: Ophthalmology; R. Miller and K. Washington; 2010, p. 245-247
- "Ocular Surgery News Europe"; H. Quigley: January 2010, Vol. 21 Issue 1, pp. 1-13
- "American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy"; J. Fetterman and M. Zdanowicz; July 1, 2009 66(13): 1169-79
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