20 October 2014 - Cyprus Mail - Omega-3 may help treat vision loss, Cypriot scientists say

“We have achieved a new treatment here at the institute; this new treatment, not only protects the eyes from vision loss, but also improves the patient’s vision,” Georgiou, who is chief ophthalmologist at the Nicosia-based Institute of Research and Education Ophthalmos told the Cyprus Mail.

The age-related macular degeneration is a serious visual disorder that may lead to the loss of central vision, that would normally allow a person to recognise faces, read, drive and do other everyday activities. While dry macular degeneration is the most common form of disease and leads to a gradual reduction of central vision loss, the wet form is the most serious one, as it can lead to a sudden vision loss and ultimately to blindness.

Georgiou said that macular degeneration comes from small inflammations, which destroy the cells on the patient’s retina. High doses of omega-3 fatty acids taken by a patient in liquid form through the mouth slowly remove the inflammation and lead to a gradual recovery of the cells.