Central geographic atrophy, or dry , is a common form of age-related eye disease. Dry macular degeneration involves the gradual loss of vision due to the deterioration of the photoreceptors (rods and cones) in the retina of the eye. There is no cure for central geographic atrophy or any other form of age-related macular degeneration. However, a combination of nutritional supplements, including fish oil, can help to slow the progression of the disease, especially when combined with a low-glycemic index diet and healthy lifestyle.
Omega-3 Fats
A diet low in omega-3 fats has been linked to numerous chronic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, learning problems, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids, found in abundance in fish oil, are also critical for maintaining eye health. Several studies have found that the omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves the development of eyesight in fetuses and newborn babies, and it can reduce the risk and severity of all forms of age-related macular degeneration.
Studies
A 2009 study at Tufts University found that omega-3 fat supplements, in the form of concentrated fish oil, helped to slow the progression of both "wet" and "dry" macular degeneration. Fish oil supplements appear to reduce the progression of early-stage macular degeneration, regardless of other dietary considerations. Patients with advanced forms of the disease also showed improvement when taking fish oil supplements, but the effects were greatly improved when the program was combined with a low-glycemic index diet.
Choosing Supplements
Some inexpensive fish oil supplements are composed of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), with relatively low amounts of DHA and EPA, the omega-3 fats that help to slow macular degeneration.The body can convert ALA into small amounts of EPA, but concentrated supplements offer much more significant nutritional benefits. Consumers with macular degeneration should seek brands that contain at least 300 milligrams of DHA and 400 milligrams of EPA per dose. Some brands like Nordic Naturals offer supplements made specifically for people with eye disease. These contain very high concentrations of DHA, as well as other co-supporting nutrients.
Risks
Overall, fish oil supplements are a well-tolerated, low-risk treatment option for people with dry macular degeneration. The most common side effects of fish oil are upset stomach, nausea, reflux, flatulence and diarrhea, but these can usually be minimized by taking the supplements with food. Taken over an extended period of time, fish oil can also deplete the body's reserves of vitamin E, so some brands fortify their products with tocopopherols. In extremely large doses, fish oil can theoretically increase a person's risk of experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke.
Complementary Treatments
The National Eye Institute supports the use of antioxidant vitamins like zeaxanthin and lutein, which are often used in combination with fish oil. However, no supplement can replace a healthy lifestyle. Omega-6 fatty acids, found in most high-fat foods, compete with omega-3 fats in the body. A high-omega-6 diet has been associated with an increased risk of macular degeneration, and it can decrease the positive effects of fish oil supplements. For best results, people suffering from macular degeneration should avoid or restrict their intake of red meats, soy oil, milk, cheese and butter; it is also best to consume a low-glycemic index diet with few white grains or refined sugars.
Tags: macular degeneration, fish supplements, index diet, low-glycemic index, low-glycemic index diet, macular degeneration