A group of researchers has shown that an improved form of omega-3 fatty acids can enter retinal tissue and could be used to reduce the risk of retinal diseases, and perhaps even treat some of them.
According to Medical News Today, improving levels of omega-3 acids in the retina is a challenge due to the blood-retinal barrier.
This new research offers a glimmer of hope for treating, and possibly preventing, visual deterioration associated with Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and other disorders, after scientists have created a new form of omega-3 that can pass into the retina.
Retinal diseases include age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and uncorrected refractive errors.
Study research was conducted at the University of Illinois, and was funded by the American Alzheimer's Association. The retina and brain have the highest concentration of a specific type of omega-3 fatty acid, known as docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. This type must be provided through the diet or supplements, as the body can only produce small amounts of it.
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