Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a reduced risk of developing nearsightedness (myopia) in children, according to a large observational study from the Hong Kong Children Eye Study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
The study analyzed data from more than 1,300 Chinese children ages 6 to 8. Using dietary questionnaires, the researchers estimated how much omega-3 and saturated fat the children consumed. They then compared this data with eye tests, including eyeball length and myopia (refractive error).
The analysis showed that children who consumed the least omega-3 fatty acids had longer eyeballs on average and higher rates of myopia. Conversely, high omega-3 intake was associated with a protective effect. At the same time, high saturated fat intake was associated with an increased risk of myopia.
The authors emphasize that because this was an observational study, it does not prove cause and effect, but only indicates a strong association. However, the results suggest a potentially important role of diet in children's vision health. Including foods rich in omega-3s (such as fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts) in the diet may be one factor in supporting eye health.
