If you’ve visited our eye education center or read any Viteyes articles before, you’ve probably noticed a trending theme — omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 has been praised by nutritionists and medical professionals alike for its powerful health benefits throughout the entire body, and the positive effects on eye health are undeniable. In today’s post, we are going to explore omega-3 and its relationship with your eyes and vision health.
Omega-3 — What Is It?
Omega-3 fatty acids are actually a collection of fatty acids, the three mainones being alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood. ALA is an essential fatty acid, meaning that your body can’t make it, so you must get it from nutrition including foods and supplements. Your body is able to convert some ALA into EPA and then to DHA, but not in significant amounts.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and seafood — mackerel, cod, salmon, herring, oysters — nuts and seeds — flax, chia, walnut, and soy. Other lesser foods include spinach and brussel sprouts, for vegetarian options.
Why Omega-3 is Important
Omega-3s are important components of the membranes that surround every cell in your body. DHA levels are especially high in retina (eye), brain, and sperm cells. Omega-3s also support the functions in your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system — many of which play a critical role in vision and eye health, but that’s an anatomy and physiology lesson for another time.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t specifically highlight why Omega-3 is so important for your eyes.
Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids are critical for normal infant vision development. Adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of pregnant women is important in normal infant vision development in utero. DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids are present in breast milk and are added to some infant formulas.
It has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the symptoms of macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. Essential fatty acids encourage proper drainage of intraocular fluid from the eye, decreasing the risk of high eye pressure and glaucoma. AREDS and AREDS 2 studies reveal the in-depth benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on eye health, so it should come as no surprise that we offer an AREDS 2 eye vitamin that features omega-3.
Omega-3 In Viteyes Eye Vitamins
Our triple-strength omega-3 AREDS 2 supplement offers 650 mg EPA and 350 mg DHA. Our Viteyes Classic AREDS 2 Plus Omega-3 eye vitamins contain omega-3 sourced from while-caught fish for the best natural omega-3. In just three capsules a day, you can be on your way to improving your eye health without changing what’s on your plate. Browse our entire line of eye supplements online today.
