Abstract
This study investigated optometrists’ attitudes and self-reported practice behaviors towards omega-3 fatty acids for eye health, and knowledge and understanding of their potential risks and benefits. An anonymous online survey was distributed to optometrists in Australia and New Zealand. Questions included practitioner demographics and practice modality; self-reported practices and recommendations relating to diet, nutritional supplements, and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye disease (DED); and practitioner knowledge about omega-3 fatty acids. Of 206 included surveys, most respondents (79%) indicated recommending for their patients to consume omega-3 fatty acids to improve their eye health. Sixty-eight percent of respondents indicated recommending omega-3-rich foods for AMD management, while 62% indicated recommending omega-3 supplements. Most respondents (78%) indicated recommending omega-3-rich foods or supplements for DED. For DED, recommended omega-3 supplement dosages were (median [inter-quartile range, IQR]) 2000 mg [1000–2750 mg] per day. The main sources of information reported by respondents to guide their clinical decision making were continuing education articles and conferences. In conclusion, optometrists routinely make clinical recommendations about diet and omega-3 fatty acids. Future education could target improving optometrists’ knowledge of differences in the evidence for whole-food versus supplement sources of omega-3 fatty acids in AMD. Further research is needed to address uncertainties in the evidence regarding optimal omega-3 dosage and formulation composition in DED.
Highlights
IntroductionThere is evidence to suggest that diets rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, obtained from food sources or supplementation, may have ocular benefits
Diet is a major lifestyle factor that can influence eye health [1]
Two-thirds of responses were from optometrists practicing in Australia (64%) and one-third practicing in New
Summary
There is evidence to suggest that diets rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, obtained from food sources or supplementation, may have ocular benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids are termed ‘essential’ as they cannot be synthesized in the body and, must be obtained from the diet. The other major essential fatty acid family is the omega-6 fatty acids. A person’s dietary intake and balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids has been reported to be important for regulating vascular activity, mediating immune and nervous system function, and influencing the balance of systemic lipid-derived mediators [2]. Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from several sources. Short-chain omega-3, alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), is found mostly in plant-based foods (e.g., flaxseed, chia seeds). Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are predominantly obtained from
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