The reason that fish oil is recommended for visual function has to do with an area in the eye known as the retina.  Omega-3 fatty acids are a major component of the retina.  Of specific importance is Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, because it accounts for 60% of the fatty acids in the retina. 

Visual Function & Nutrients

There are many nutrients that are important to healthy visual function.  Beta-carotene is the reason that carrots are good for your eyes.  Too little in the diet causes night blindness and other vision problems.  Antioxidants known as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are abundant in a variety of vegetables, are major components of the light receptors found in the retina.

Macular Degeneration Disease

But the DHA in fish oil may be the most important nutrient when it comes to continued eye health, as a person ages.  One of the most common degenerative eye diseases is macular degeneration.  It is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly and there are no effective treatments for it. 

Disease Prevention

The macula is responsible for central vision.  The rest of the retina is responsible for peripheral vision.  In macular degeneration, central vision is lost, making it very difficult for people to function.  Reading or identifying people's faces is no longer possible.  There are two types of the disease and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent both of them.

One is the dry type, in which plaque forms on the retina, interfering with vision.  The plaque is composed primarily of hardened cholesterol and high cholesterol levels are associated with the disease.  Fish oil supplements are known to naturally lower LDL cholesterol levels. 

In the wet type, new blood vessels grow into the retina.  Sometimes they burst and the blood interferes with central vision.  Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy circulation and blood vessel strength.  Retinopathy, including diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of blindness in patients with diabetes, may also be prevented because of the benefits to circulation.

Vision-Nerves-Brain Connection

Visual function is closely associated with nerve and brain health.  The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are necessary for both nerve and brain health.  DHA makes up 40% of the fatty acids in the brain and 50% of the weight of the membrane that surround our nerve cells.  Death of these cells in the brain occurs in Alzheimer's.  In cases of severe depression, DHA is completely depleted in the cerebral cortex.

So, in addition to supporting visual function, as we age, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil support the health of the brain and reduce our risk of degenerative brain diseases.  They improve mood and the ability to concentrate.  They are beneficial for people with ADHD.  They may even reduce the risk of cancer.  Numerous studies have shown that omega3s inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.  DHA was found to inhibit the growth more than the others. 

Improved visual function is just one of the many benefits that accompany increased intake of omega3s.  If you only take one supplement every day, it should be a DHA rich fish oil supplement. For more information on the benefits of fish oil/DHA and fatty acids, please visit my website listed below.  Thanks, Margaret Bell