Omega-3 fatty acids for Eye Health

Table of Content

• What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

• Foods Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Eye Health

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Omega-3 fatty acids for Eye Health

Introduction

The eyes are the most vulnerable part of the body - they can easily get dried, catch infection and become disease-ridden. This is why eye care is very important! 

Omega-3 fatty acids are very important in helping with your eyesight and in preventing dry eyes. In this article, you will learn about omega-3 fatty acids for eye health.  

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are one of the most essential nutrients for the body as the body itself doesn’t produce it - so we need to supply the body with food. 

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids. They are,

• alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

• eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

• docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

While ALA is found in only vegetable sources, EPA and DHA are present in animal sources like fatty fish.

Omega-3 fatty acids boost immunity, strengthen the heart muscles, promote healthy endocrine systems, improve joint health, prevent eye cancers and increase eye health. 

Foods Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in both animal and plant sources. Some of the foods that are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids,

• Chia seeds

• Walnuts

• Salmon

• Kidney beans 

• Spinach

• Flax seeds

• Sardine

• Tuna

• Eggs

• Soybeans

Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Eye Health

Omega-3 fatty acids for eye health are abundant. Here are 

1. Prevents Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are chronic conditions that cause decreased tear volume and tear quantity. When your eyes aren’t protected with the right amount of oils and water, your ocular surface may dry up and your vision sharply reduces. The common symptoms of dry eyes are itching and burning sensations, light sensitivity and excessive tearing. 

Through many scientific trials, it is observed that omega-3 fatty acids, mainly EPA and DHA, help in managing the symptoms and cure dry eyes.  

2. Helps With Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness among the global population. Here, the optic nerve which sends the nerve impulses from the brain to the eye is affected due to high pressure, thereby causing blindness. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for glaucoma as they decrease the pressure, increase the blood flow to the eye and protect the optic nerves.

3. Wards Off Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula (the centre of the light-sensitive retina) is affected, causing the loss of vision. They are very common in older people where all their photoreceptors, responsible for vision, break down and die. 

Omega-3 effectively prevents it by nourishing your cells and protecting them from degradation. 

Take-Home Points

• Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that perform various important functions in your body.

• Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fishes, seeds, nuts and also in seaweeds. 

• Omega-3 fatty acids prevent macular degeneration, glaucoma and dry eyes.