ROLE OF OMEGA-3 IN GLAUCOMA

 

DR. SADAF JAHAN

P.G. SCHOLAR

Department of Amraz Ain, Uzn, Anf, Halaq wa Asnan,

State Unani Medical College and Hospital

Prayagraj, India

Some studies have shown that glaucoma patients have low omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA) blood levels, especially docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is known that the ratio of consumed omega-3 to omega-6 EFAs determines the body's inflammatory status. The omega-3s promote prostaglandin metabolism leading to the production of eicosanoids which are anti-inflammatory in nature. Therefore, omega-3 EFA deprivation may predispose individuals to ocular disease.

The role of omega-3 in glaucoma is not yet clear. The agent is an antioxidant and has some role in diseases such as dry eyes. However, there are very few studies to confirm if omega-3 would be beneficial in glaucoma patients.

Glaucoma patients have lower omega-3 fatty acid blood levels, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and EPA. Ye and colleagues have shown that dietary omega-3 supplementation in patients may normalize levels of fatty acid and enhance their effects. The study reported that active ingredients in fish oil delay glaucoma development, lower IOP, regulate blood supply, alleviate inflammation, and diminish oxidative stress. These effects can have a positive response in glaucoma patients. [1]

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005–2008), a cross-sectional survey involving 3865 participants from the United States, showed that increased daily consumption of the long-chain, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA, was associated with a lower likelihood of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. [2]

Experimental studies by Nguyen et al, have found that omega-3 EFAs decrease IOP in rats. [3]

Pooled analysis of data from two double-masked, placebo-controlled randomized trials (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12614001019695, ACTRN12615000173594) investigated the efficacy and safety of oral omega-3 supplementation. The analysis found that oral omega-3 supplementation for 3 months significantly reduced IOP in normotensive adults. [4]

Looking at the lack of robust studies concerning glaucoma parameters such as visual fields, it is still not clear if omega-3 supplementation will benefit glaucoma patients.

REFERENCES:

1. Ye H, Liu Y, Xu Z, Wei X. Fish Oil in Glaucoma Treatment: From Biological Functions to Clinical Potential. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2023 Jun;67(11):e2200727. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.202200727. Epub 2023 Apr 25. PMID: 37029593.
2. Wang YE, Tseng VL, Yu F, Caprioli J, Coleman A. Association of dietary fatty acid intake with glaucoma in the United States. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017; 136: 141– 147
3. Nguyen CT, Bui BV, Sinclair AJ, Vingrys AJ. Dietary omega 3 fatty acids decrease intraocular pressure with age by increasing aqueous outflow. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007; 48: 756– 762.
4. Downie LE, Vingrys AJ. Oral Omega-3 Supplementation Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Normotensive Adults. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2018 May 1;7(3):1. doi: 10.1167/tvst.7.3.1. PMID: 29736322; PMCID: PMC5931260.