DHA & eye health
DHA is a key component of the retina, where it supports membrane fluidity, photoreceptor function, and overall visual signalling. Because our retinas are highly enriched in DHA, adequate levels are essential for maintaining healthy vision throughout all phases of life. In addition to its role as structural component in the retina, DHA exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic effects, which help protect the eye from pathological processes. For instance, insufficient DHA has been linked to impaired visual development in infants and increased risk of retinopathy of prematurity. In adults, higher DHA levels are associated with reduced risk or severity of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and dry eye disease. The summaries below give a brief overview of the eye conditions in which studies has shown that DHA plays a positive role.
 
DHA & Retinopathy of prematurity
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of infant blindness, affecting premature infants due to abnormal retinal blood vessel development. DHA plays a crucial role in retinal vascular regulation, but premature infants receive less DHA than full-term infants, putting them at higher risk for ROP. Research shows that DHA supplementation can reduce ROP severity. Studies have found that higher DHA levels in red blood cell membranes are linked to a lower risk of developing severe ROP, with DHA-containing fish oil and supplements leading to significant reductions in ROP incidence and severity. DHA likely helps prevent excessive blood vessel overgrowth in the retina, improving vascularization and reducing ROP complications. Click here for complete topic overview.
 
DHA & Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy, a common complication affecting up to half of individuals with type 2 diabetes, damages the retinal vasculature and can lead to vision loss, blindness, and diabetic macular edema. Research highlights the role of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and elevated VEGF in disease progression, with treatments like Ranibizumab targeting abnormal blood vessel growth. Scientific evidence suggests that DHA is protective against this condition: higher plasma DHA levels are associated with reduced risk and severity of retinopathy, while DHA (alone or with EPA) has been shown to protect retinal cells against oxidative and inflammatory damage. Clinical studies further suggest that combining DHA supplementation with Ranibizumab enhances treatment outcomes by reducing macular thickness and inflammation. Overall, DHA appears to lower both the risk and progression of diabetic retinopathy, making supplementation a potentially valuable adjunct therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Click here for complete topic overview.
 
DHA & Glaucoma
Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, is driven by excessive intraocular pressure (IOP) alongside oxidative stress and inflammation, which damage the retina and optic nerve. Research shows that low dietary intake of DHA is associated with higher glaucoma risk, while supplementation has demonstrated protective effects in relation to glaucoma. Population studies link higher DHA intake to reduced glaucoma prevalence, and clinical trials report that omega-3 supplementation lowers IOP in both healthy individuals and glaucoma patients. In particular, DHA supplementation in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma reduced IOP, inflammation, and oxidative stress while improving antioxidant capacity. Collectively, these findings suggest DHA supports both prevention and mitigation of glaucoma pathology. Click here for complete topic overview.
 
DHA & Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in older adults, marked by progressive damage to retinal cells, particularly photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells that are rich in DHA. While no treatments can reverse AMD-related vision loss, prevention strategies emphasize lifestyle and diet, with strong evidence supporting DHA’s protective role. Population studies and meta-analyses show that higher dietary DHA intake reduces the risk of early AMD in a dose-dependent manner, particularly in individuals with genetic risk factors. Supplementation studies suggest that DHA not only supports retinal health directly but also enhances the bioavailability of protective nutrients like lutein, offering a mechanistic explanation for its preventive effects. Click here for complete topic overview.
 
DHA & Dry eye disease
Dry eye disease (DED) affects about 10% of the global population, and is marked by ocular discomfort, visual disturbances, and reduced quality of life, often linked to tear film instability and meibomian gland dysfunction. While oral omega-3 supplementation has shown inconsistent results in clinical trials, recent research suggests that the method of delivery is crucial. In vitro studies show that DHA and EPA reduce inflammation in meibomian gland epithelial cells, and multiple clinical trials report that topical rather than dietary administration of omega-3–containing eye drops improves tear film break-up time, meibomian gland function, and patient-reported symptoms compared to controls. These findings indicate that while dietary intake of omega-3s may lower the risk of developing DED, topical formulations enriched with DHA appear more effective in reducing symptom burden and enhancing ocular surface health in affected individuals. Click here for complete topic overview.