A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids is known to cause impaired vision in animals. When dietary levels are inadequate, omega-3 fatty acids are recycled in the retina. Animal studies show that with age omega-3 levels in the eye begin to fall.
Vision can improve when omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are included in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids improve nerve function while also improving circulation with reduced cholesterol, thinner blood and prevention of blood clots.
To prevent lipid per-oxidation of such essential fatty acids, increased supplemental levels of antioxidants are also required (e.g. vitamins C, E and beta carotene). This is especially important since lipid per-oxidation plays a role in macular degeneration
When treated with omega-3 fatty acid infusions for 4 weeks, 85% of macular degeneration patients over age 70 experienced improved vision.
A dosage of 1500 to 2000 mg/day for 2 weeks followed by a maintenance level of 1,000 mg/day of omega-3 fatty acids is suggested.
