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.

Abstract

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, and multiple risk factors influence its pathogenesis and progression, including age, increased intraocular pressure (IOP), low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and ocular blood flow deficits. IOP-lowering therapy is currently the most effective way to control glaucoma progression; however, due to insufficient response and persistent retinal neural degeneration, the result may not always be satisfactory. In recent decades, fish oil, an omega-3 dietary supplement, is reported to be beneficial to glaucoma patients, but its efficiency and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Intriguingly, glaucoma patients have lower omega-3 fatty acid blood levels, especially docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Dietary omega-3 supplementation in patients may normalize levels of fatty acid and, thereby, enhance their effects. Therefore, fish oil may serve as an area of new focus for glaucoma treatment studies. In this review, the study summarizes the roles of active ingredients in fish oil in delaying glaucoma development, including lowering IOP, regulating blood supply, alleviating inflammation, and diminishing oxidative stress, with a view to promoting the development of the clinical management of glaucoma.

Keywords: DHA; EPA; Omega-3; fish oil; glaucoma.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / pharmacology
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / pharmacology
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / pharmacology
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / therapeutic use
  • Fish Oils / pharmacology
  • Fish Oils / therapeutic use
  • Glaucoma* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy

Substances

  • Fish Oils
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids