By: Manoj Prasad
Eating fish can be highly beneficial for maintaining good eyesight due to the presence of essential nutrients that support eye health.ย
National Eye Institute Deputy Clinical Director Dr. Emily Chew says, "Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, which play a crucial role in eye development and function." ย
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is a structural component of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.ย
A diet rich in DHA has been associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.ย
Fish is also rich in zinc, which transports vitamin A from the liver to the retina. Vitamin A helps sustain vision, especially in low light. ย ย
"Zinc deficiency can lead to night blindness and impaired vision, so consuming adequate zinc through fish and other sources is important for eye health," says Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary researcher Dr. Johanna Seddon.
Furthermore, fish contains vitamin D, which may play a role in preventing eye conditions like AMD and cataracts. ย
Research by the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University suggests that vitamin D may protect against oxidative stress, a factor contributing to eye diseases.