Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Protect Your Eyes
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA) and (DHA) have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
A 2022 study assessed the relationship between the corneal nerves of the eyes and systemic omega-3 fatty acid levels, of 47 participants with and without diabetes.
Corneal nerves convert various thermal, mechanical, and chemical stimuli into the conscious perception of dryness, discomfort or pain in the eyes.
These nerves play a critical role in wound healing, the blink reflex, and aversion of harmful stimuli by producing and secreting tears.
This study found that independent of age and diabetes status, higher percentages of omega-3s and DHA were predictive of longer central corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD).
These new findings suggest that our omega-3 fatty acid dietary intake, particularly DHA, may influence the health of our corneal nerves.
Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and must be consumed from dietary sources, which include fatty fish (eg. salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines), flaxseed, chias seeds, walnuts, and good quality Omega-3 supplements.
PMID: 36163491
