The link between healthy eyesight and an adequate intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids has long been a source of speculation within the scientific and preventative health communities. Indeed, the former has only recently begun to publish the results of extensive studies establishing such a link, with one meta-analysis from Australia stating that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and other sources can reduce the risk of AMD (Advanced Macular Degeneration) by up to 38 % (source: Archives of Ophthalmology, June 2008, Vol. 126, pp. 826-833). The umbrella group AMD Alliance International claims that AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness for people over 55 in the ‘developed world.’ AMD is a degenerative retinal disease whose progress is very concurrent with the aging process, attacking central vision capacity and leaving only peripheral vision.
There are two types of AMD, wet and dry, and the former is the main cause of vision loss. Wet AMD was the focus of a recent European study that confirmed the findings of the aforementioned Australian study and others. In this most recent British-based study that used recruited participants from all over Europe, 105 people aged 65 or older who were diagnosed with wet AMD were used as study subjects while 2,170 people were to act as control subjects, and their dietary habits were compared using questionnaires. The results ? The scientists found that at least one serving of oily fish per week was associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of developing wet AMD. Furthermore, those who consumed more than 300 mg per day of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) – two of the more well-known omega-3 essential fatty acids – were 68% and 71% less likely (respectively) to have wet AMD.
Source: Augood C, Chakravarthy U, Young I, Vioque J, de Jong PT, Bentham G, Rahu M, Seland J, Soubrane G, Tomazzoli L, Topouzis F, Vingerling JR, Fletcher AE. Oily fish consumption, dietary docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid intakes, and associations with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Aug;88(2):398-406.
For more information see Omega Cardio or Omega EPA
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