Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to help avoid the risk of age-related problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. It does this by converting fatty acids into byproducts, other omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. These may help prevent proliferative retinopathy, where abnormal blood vessels grow around and through the retina. DHA converts to another fatty acid that is thought to protect the eyes from this disease.

The retina is loaded with DHA which lends structural support for cell walls to protect retinal functioning. 

In the U.S., about 9 million people have macular degeneration with

1.75 million patients living with significant vision loss. In adults 40 or older, 4.1 million people in the U.S. have some degree of retinopathy. The symptoms of this illness have been linked to free radical damage – a condition preventable by an anti-oxidant rich diet.

A conclusion of a study by Harvard Medical School advised that eating more fish or taking dietary supplements may prevent or treat abnormal blood vessel growth.

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are plentiful in cold water, oily fishes such as mackerel, tuna, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, anchovies, and sardines. Fatty acids are also found in eggs, beans, nuts, other non-meat protein sources, oranges and other citrus juices or fruits. Pistachios, almonds and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which also boosts eye health. And if you don’t eat fish, there are fish oil supplements and vegetable supplements that contain black currant seed oil or flaxseed oil.

Black currant berries have some of the highest levels of anti-oxidants found in nature. They are also high in essential fatty acids and known for their anti-inflammatory qualities. In fact, black currants are thought to be more effective than lutein and zeaxanthin.