Two recent studies have found that fish oils improve certain aspects of eye health.
DHA collects in eye cells
One study, conducted by the National Eye Institute, researched over 4,500 people between the ages of 60 and 80. Scientists found that eating two or more servings of omega-3-rich fish—such as salmon—decreased the risk of age-related muscular degeneration in the eyes by up to 33%.
Researchers feel this is probably because the DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) found in fish oil collects in the eyes’ light-sensing cells, increasing their effectiveness and enabling people to see and perform fine tasks better.
18% lower risk of syndrome
The second study, done at Harvard’s Schepens Eye Research Institute, suggests that fish oil also decreases the risk of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome occurs as a result of the body’s tear ducts not producing enough tears, which can lead to scarring of the cornea and loss of vision.
Of 32,470 female participants in the study, those who ate two servings of fish per week had an 18% lower risk of dry eye syndrome. Eating five or six servings per week lowered the risk to 66%.
Reference:
1. www.omega3fishoil.org/news.asp
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