Role of omega-3 fatty acids for eye health

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for healthy individuals. Their beneficial effects in coronary and autoimmune diseases, as well as in diabetes, have been proven numerous times in the past. In addition, their role in maintaining normal physiology of the eyes has been extensively discussed over the last few years, with more emphasis given on their anti-inflammatory effects. From a literature review and some of our observational studies, there is strong evidence to support that supplementation of individuals with omega-3 formulations could lead to disease regression in some types of retinopathies, including age-related macular degeneration and macular dystrophies and also some severe forms of dry eyes. Therefore, using the right dosage regime and with the appropriate supervision, omega-3 supplementation could be a potential therapeutic for different types of oculopathies.