Omega-3 for Macular Degeneration: Use, Benefits, and More

Why Omega-3 helps Prevent Age-related Macular Degeneration

Omega-3 fish oil can prevent age-related macular degeneration and protect the retina because one of the main omega-3 fatty acids components, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is the main constituent of the retina. Consuming omega-3 increases the levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the retina and supports its structure and function.

Many studies indicate that DHA is essential to retinal health. For instance, a study titled “The role of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease of the retina” found that low levels of DHA in the retina’s tissue can lead to poor vision.

Also, omega-3 can help treat age-related macular degeneration because it slows the accumulation of nondegradable retinal pigments called lipofuscin and A2E in the retina. A2E build-up can damage the macula because it is toxic to cells.

Recent research supports this claim. For example, the study “Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation Prevents Age-Related Functional Losses and A2E Accumulation in the Retina” indicates that adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet “delays” the build-up of A2E in the eye.

In addition, omega-3 can help treat age-related macular degeneration because it has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties allow it to reduce retinal inflammation by neutralizing free radicals in the retina.

Omega-3 also counteracts A2E and drusen’s inflammatory effects and prevents them from triggering an immune response that might cause inflammation.

How Omega-3 works for Age-related Macular Degeneration

Omega-3 is a healthy polyunsaturated fat that consists of three main types of fatty acids including: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

These omega fatty acids help treat or prevent age-related macular degeneration by:

1- Strengthening the structure of the retina: When people consume omega-3 fatty acids, the retina absorbs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA helps optimize the fluidity of photoreceptor membranes, retinal integrity, and visual functions, preventing eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration.

2- Preventing the accumulation of A2E molecules: DHA helps promote eye health by preventing the build-up of toxic molecule A2E that kills the cells in the retina. However, only a few studies support this claim.

Nevertheless, these studies acknowledge that DHA can protect the retina against the effects of A2E. In the body, DHA is metabolized into neuroprotection D1 (NPD1). NPD1 has an “anti-apoptotic effect” on the pigment cells in the retinal epithelium. This counters the effect A2E has on cells in the retinal pigment epithelium and prevents cell death.

3- Reducing inflammation: both EPA and DHA are anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that actively work to prevent or reduce inflammation in the body. In age-related macular degeneration, toll-like receptors (TLRs) identify damaged tissues and trigger an immune response, causing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation by inhibiting the function of these toll-like receptors (TLRs), thereby preventing vision loss.

Omega-3 Dose for Macular Degeneration: How much to Take

As a general guideline, the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that men take 1.6 grams of omega-3, while women can take 1.1 grams of omega-3 per day if they are above the age of 18.

To prevent age-related macular degeneration, some ophthalmologists recommend people to take 1000 mg of fish oil (omega-3) daily, if they don’t eat enough fish.

Omega-3 for Age-related Macular Degeneration: Precautions

If you want to take omega-3 to treat macular degeneration, you need to consider the following precautions:

1- People with certain medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking omega supplements.

- Diabetes: consuming excessive omega-3 fats may lower blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for their condition.

- A seizure disorder: consuming excessive omega-6 fats such as GLA may cause seizures in people who have a seizure disorder.

-Allergies: people who have allergies should take precautions before taking omega fatty acid supplements.

Many omega supplements come from fish sources, and people who are allergic to fish cannot take these supplements. Some supplements may also contain peanut and soy, which are also common allergens. 

2- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Consuming excessive omega-6 fats may cause pregnant women to have pregnancy complications such as early labor and contribute to the poor development of the fetus.

Pregnant women should also avoid omega-3 because it affects their blood clotting abilities and increases the risk of bleeding. Also, some omega-3 supplements like cod liver oil contain vitamin A, which might be harmful to the fetus.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid omega-3 fish oil supplements that come from fish that contain high amounts of mercury, such as mackerel, swordfish, or tilefish, because mercury may harm the baby. 

3- Interaction with other Medications

Omega fats may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking omega fatty acids supplements if you take the following medication:

- Anticoagulant medication: Omega fats can interfere with blood-thinning medication. Consuming excessive amounts of omega fats can cause blood thinning or excessive bleeding.

- Blood pressure medication: consuming excessive amounts of omega fats may lower blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medication.

4- Excessive Amounts of Omega-6

There are concerns about taking excessive amounts of omega-6 fats because it may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration, especially if a person’s omega-3 intake is low.

5- Vitamin A Toxicity

If you are taking omega-3 supplements, always check the amount of vitamin A. Some omega-3 supplements may contain very high amounts of vitamin A, which may cause vitamin A toxicity.

People should also avoid cod liver oil because it contains a high amount of vitamin A. They can substitute it with other omega-3 supplements that aren’t high in vitamin A like fish or krill oil.

Omega-3 for Age-related Macular Degeneration: Side Effects

If you consume omega-3 supplements, you may experience unwanted side effects such as an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, low blood pressure, high blood sugar, diarrhea, headaches, and smelly sweat.

Consult your doctor if any of the following side effects appear.