A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are mainly found in fish oils, could reduce the risk of myopia in children, while a high consumption of saturated fat can increase the risk. This is shown by a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. In view of the increasing prevalence of myopia worldwide, especially in East Asia, the study provides important information on diet-related influencing factors.

The study included 1005 children aged 6 to 8 years from the population-based Hong Kong Children Eye Study. The children’s eyesight was examined, and their diet was recorded using a questionnaire that divided 280 foods into ten categories. In addition, factors such as time spent outdoors, screen work and parental myopia were taken into account. About a quarter of the children (27.5%) were short-sighted.

The results show that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a lower risk of myopia. Children with the lowest omega-3 intake had the longest axial length of the eye – an indicator of the progression of myopia – while children with the highest intake had the shortest axial length. Similarly, the refractive error, which measures the degree of myopia, was highest with low omega-3 intake and lowest with high intake. Conversely, children with high consumption of saturated fatty acids, such as those found in butter, palm oil or red meat, were found to have an increased risk of myopia. Other nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins or vitamins showed no connection with the disease.

The researchers suspect that omega-3 fatty acids improve blood flow to the choroid, which is responsible for supplying the eye with nutrients and oxygen. This could prevent oxygen deprivation in the sclera, a key factor in the development of myopia. Since this is an observational study, no causal relationships can be confirmed. In addition, the nutritional data is based on questionnaires based on memories, and there is a lack of objective measurements such as blood samples. The high prevalence of myopia in Hong Kong also raises the question of whether the results are transferable to other population groups.

Nevertheless, the researchers emphasize that the study is the first to prove a connection between omega-3 fatty acids and a lower risk of myopia in humans. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids could be a promising approach to counteract the increasing myopia worldwide, especially in children.

Original Paper:

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a protective factor of myopia: the Hong Kong Children Eye Study | British Journal of Ophthalmology

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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