The region of the eye known as the retina is impacted by some of the main causes of vision loss.

Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a specific type of omega fatty acid that can be supplemented to lessen the risk of retinal disease. However, because of the retina-blood barrier, raising DHA levels in the retina is difficult.

Now, a team of scientists has demonstrated that a particular kind of DHA they created can permeate the retinal tissue—at least in mice. The supplement may be used to lower risk and perhaps even treat various retinal illnesses if the same outcome is shown in humans.

According to the World Health Organization, the annual global cost of losing one’s sight is estimated to be $411 billion. This cost includes missed wages and productivity as well as medical and care expenses.

The majority of persons who lose their sight are over 50, and the following are the main reasons for vision loss worldwide:

• mature macular degeneration with ageing
• cataract
• retinopathy in diabetics
• glaucoma
• mistakes in refractive correction.

Both diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration have an impact on the retina, which is located at the back of the eye and is home to numerous light-sensitive cells that enable vision.

Data

The macula, a portion of the retina, is impacted by age-related macular degeneration, which causes blurry central vision. In the meanwhile, diabetic retinopathy, which affects people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is brought on by high blood sugar levels that disrupt the retina’s blood flow and, if left untreated, can result in blindness.

The concentration of docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is highest in the brain and retina among all bodily tissues. Given that the body can only produce modest amounts of this fatty acid, it must be consumed through diet or supplementation.

Although epidemiological studies have demonstrated the positive effects of DHA supplementation on lowering the risk of developing retinal illness, it is considerably more difficult to deliver this molecule to the retina and sustain normal functioning. This is despite the fact that the relevance of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is well established.

This is due to the difficulty in obtaining DHA supplements that not only permeate the blood-retinal barrier but also DHA in a form that can pass through the intestinal barrier.

Once scientists developed a novel form of DHA that can enter the retina of the eye, new research offers a ray of hope for treating and possibly preventing visual losses linked to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other conditions. A research grant from the Alzheimer’s Association paid for the study (AARG).

DHA: New form

The study’s authors, from the University of Illinois at Chicago, presented their findings at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s annual meeting, which took place March 25–28 in Seattle.

They demonstrated that a newly created version of DHA may be employed to penetrate both the intestinal and retinal blood barriers.

The scientists developed a fresh lysophospholipid version of DHA, called LPC-DHA, to achieve this. During six months, they gave mice a low dose of this supplement, which corresponds to 250 to 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily for people.

DHA levels in their retinas increased by 100% as a result of this. LPC-DHA was found to be superior when researchers compared the effects of supplementation to those of fish oil and krill oil, two alternative sources of DHA.

New DHA and eyesight

DHA is primarily located in the retina of healthy eyes. Photoreceptors—cells that transform light into signals that are delivered to the brain—are maintained with the aid of this.

The findings imply that this supplement may aid in preventing visual problems in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that share a common DHA shortage and vision impairment.

One issue with existing supplements is that DHA must first enter the bloodstream through the intestines before reaching the retina. Up until today, there has been no way to raise the DHA levels in the retina. The brand-new vitamin gets past blood-retinal and digestive barriers.

Further research is required to prove the safety and efficacy of DHA supplements in people.

It’s always a fascinating issue, says Benjamin Bert, MD, an ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, to investigate dietary supplementation’s potential to halt the advancement of diseases. In this instance, the researchers are examining a novel version of DHA called LPC-DHA, which they believe will be more readily absorbed by the body than the DHA formulations already on the market. We still have a lot to learn because this study is one of the first to use this supplement.

Vision problems in Alzheimer’s people

According to Howard R. Krauss, MD, surgical neuro-ophthalmologist and director of Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, “Visual impairment is a significant component of Alzheimer’s disease, but while there are indeed degenerative retinal changes in association with Alzheimer’s disease, most of the visual impairment is secondary to brain dysfunction rather than retinal dysfunction.”

Krauss stated, “Yet, one may consider the retina as both an extension of the brain and a window into the brain. “Thus, therapeutic approaches that may show promise for improving retinal health may also do so for improving brain health.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, vision issues in those with Alzheimer’s disease may result from the brain’s inability to absorb the information that the eyes send to it. The individual may experience the following issues:

• Loss of peripheral pitch
• sensitivity to contrast being lost
• Inability to accurately perceive depth
• difficulties with glare

According to Bert, specific layers of the retina gradually become weaker in people with Alzheimer’s disease. “With a supplement like the one disclosed here, the hope is that this process will slow down or halt entirely.”

Note on omega-3 fatty acids

You need omega-3 fatty acids for good health. Your body does not, however, make them. You must therefore consume them through your diet.

The following are typical foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids:

• Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines
• Fish oil
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Soybean oil
• Walnuts

Omega-3 fatty acids are added as a supplement to some diets. For those who don’t typically eat these foods, there are supplements available, like fish oil or algal oil.

According to the National Institutes of Health, your body’s cell membranes contain essential components called omega-3 fatty acids. One of the most important types of omega-3 fatty acids is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Your retina normally has high DHA levels.

The conclusion

Scientific research always includes mouse experiments. Yet, they occasionally reveal whether a therapy approach is secure and efficient in people. This research is in its early stages.

The “takeaways” from this study, in Krauss’s opinion, show that additional investigation is necessary before people should start using omega-3 supplements.

Even though some people may benefit from taking supplements, the purity and concentration of over-the-counter vitamins varies. Certain supplements, especially when used in excess, may pose a risk to some individuals. Anyone thinking about using supplements should talk to their primary care physician about it.

REFERENCES:

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-form-of-omega-3-may-help-prevent-visual-decline-due-to-alzheimers-diabetes
• https://www.healthline.com/health-news/a-new-form-of-omega-3-could-prevent-visual-decline-from-alzheimers
• https://medicaldialogues.in/medicine/news/new-form-of-omega-3-can-cross-retina-and-reduce-eye-problems-related-to-alzheimers-disease-and-diabetes-109213

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