Is Fish Oil Good for Glaucoma?
There is enough scientific evidence to prove that consuming fish or fish oil can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
It is also said to improve mild hypertension and has other health benefits as well.
But is fish oil good for Glaucoma?
Since Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, it becomes a matter of concern to find ways that could help with the condition.
Read along to know whether or not fish oil has any role in treating and preventing Glaucoma.
Research on fish oil
Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which has shown to benefit conditions ranging from dry eyes to heart disease.
The two most widely studied omega-3 fatty acids include Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA).
A study was conducted by Laura E Downie et al. in 2018 to analyze the effectiveness of omega-3 for Glaucoma.
It concluded that oral supplementation of omega-3 for three months significantly reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in adults with normal blood pressure.
- Fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines)
- Seaweed
- Green and blue-lipped mussels
- Oysters
- Caviar
Plant-based sources of omega-3 include walnuts, soybeans, chia seeds, flaxseed, etc.
Another study was conducted by Optometry Australia to investigate the effects of omega-3 on Glaucoma.
They found that an increase in dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids lowered intraocular pressure by 25%-30%.
This shift was brought about by an increase in aqueous flow, it added.
The same study also figured that this diet increased the function of retinal ganglion cells under normal conditions and more so under high IOP stress.
But apart from these, there have not been enough studies to prove the efficacy of fish oil in directly reducing the IOP or helping prevent Glaucoma.
Hence, fish oil supplements can not replace the need for Glaucoma medications.
The following are some medications that your doctor might prescribe you if you have Glaucoma.
| Medications for Glaucoma | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Careprost Plus Eye Drop | $25.38 |
| Dorzox T 5 ml | $12.05 |
| Xalatan Eye Drops of 0.005% (2.5 ml) | $27.20 |
| Bimat 3 ml | $12.24 |
| Dorzox Eye Drop 2% | $8.90 |
Potential side effects
The most prevalent side effects of taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements orally include the following:
- Fishy burps
- Upset stomach
- Bad breath
- Blood thinning
Many omega-3 supplements are enteric-coated to resolve the first two issues experienced by the users.
Consuming these supplements with food or keeping them in the freezer might also help.
Takeaway
Fish oil is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids.
It has proven its effectiveness in providing health benefits, including eye health.
But more studies have yet to be done to establish the efficacy of including omega-3 supplements in your diet to prevent or treat Glaucoma.
Adding them to your routine along with your prescribed Glaucoma medication might be helpful.
But do not forget to consult your doctor before starting these supplements.
