Omega-3 fatty acids, long recognized for their role in reducing the risk of heart disease, dementia, and certain cancers, may also provide protection against childhood nearsightedness (myopia), according to new research.
Findings published Aug. 19 in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggest that children who consume fewer omega-3s are more likely to develop structural changes in the eye associated with myopia, including elongated eyeballs and steeply curved corneas.
“Myopia is a growing global health concern, and our results highlight omega-3 fatty acids as a potential protective dietary factor,” said senior investigator Dr. Jason Yam, professor of ophthalmology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The study followed more than 1,000 Chinese children between the ages of 6 and 8, randomly recruited from a larger Hong Kong eye study. Researchers collected detailed dietary information through questionnaires and compared the results with eye examinations.
Overall, 28% of the children were found to be nearsighted. Those with the lowest omega-3 intake had the greatest axial length—an eye measurement linked to myopia—while children with the highest intake had the shortest axial length, indicating reduced risk. The severity of nearsightedness also correlated with omega-3 consumption levels.
In contrast, diets high in saturated fats, including butter, palm oil, and red meat, appeared to increase the likelihood of developing myopia. No other nutrients were found to significantly influence the condition.
Omega-3s are most abundant in oily fish but are also present in nuts and seeds. Researchers speculate that the fatty acids may help protect vision by improving blood flow to the eye and supporting healthy eye growth.
As rates of childhood myopia continue to rise worldwide, the study adds to growing evidence that dietary choices may play a critical role in eye health.
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