Marine Omega-3 Can Lower the Risk of Vision Loss in the Elderly

Diabetes can affect the vision of older adults and cause a complication known as Diabetic retinopathy. This kind of complication can damage the sensitive tissue in the eye and the blood vessels. This condition is very common for older adults who have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Therefore, they might experience blindness or vision impairment in some cases. However, when it comes to the early stages of this condition, many arteries can reduce the flow of blood in the inner retina.

How Can the Progress of Diabetic Retinopathy Affect Vision

As this condition progresses, some changes can occur in the outer retina which can cause some minor loss of vision. Moreover, the base of the membrane on the blood vessel will thicken and cause a loss of blood flow. After some time the aneurysms can cause multiple stronger dysfunctions and degenerate the glial cells and the neurons of the retina. Because of this condition, the loss of vision will advance and in some cases even lead to absolute blindness.

What Studies Say

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, there is a way to regulate the intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids and stop this condition from developing in older adults who have diabetes type 2. There is a study that shows the data taken from trials in Spain. In this study, participants went under several tests and clinical trials and followed a strict Mediterranean diet. Therefore, researchers were able to assess realistic results and come up with adequate answers. 3,482 participants had an average age of 67.5 years. Moreover, they followed this strict Mediterranean diet for 6 years, and 0.17% of the group consumed more than 500mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day. As a result, only 0.49% of the group that took less than 500 mg daily developed diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, the NIH stated that people should focus on the maintenance of normal vision. They should focus on foods that contain 250 mg or more Omega-3 fatty acids. Source: Nutri-Facts | NIH | NIH  | NCBI