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DHA important for the eye

At the back of the eye is the retina, a thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyeball. In the retina are all our millions of visual cells, so-called rods and cones, which receive and register the light that enters the eye when you look at something. The syncytial cells then convert the light into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. The rods can register differences in brightness and help you see in dim light or darkness. The omega-3 fatty acid DHA makes up 50–70% of the fatty acids found in the rods' outer segments in the retina. DHA contributes to maintaining the normal function of the brain and vision.

The Yellow Spot – indispensable for the eye and vision

The macula is a small part of the retina that has a very big impact on our ability to see. It is the one that allows us to see clearly and distinguish details. The blue light radiating from digital screens is very energy intensive, the retina cannot stop it but it reaches rods and drops into the fundus where it causes oxidation. The macula is dependent on certain nutrients to function optimally, where lutein and zeaxanthin, among others, play a major role.

Yellow spot - rich in lutein

Lutein is a substance found in, among other things, yellow and orange vegetables and in leafy vegetables. The macula is very rich in lutein and connections are seen with several important properties of the eye. Among other things, it has a protective ability against harmful light, while lutein protects the cells against free radicals. A lack of lutein in the macula is thought to affect the eye's ability to filter harmful light and affect the eye's ability to see clearly.

The diet affects

The eye depends on a range of nutrients to function. The more stress the eyes are exposed to, the more oxidation caused by free radicals occurs. Antioxidants of various kinds play an important role in neutralizing these free radicals. This is why people often talk about, for example, blueberries and carrots as good foods for eye health. As described above, the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is one of the eye's most important fatty acids. DHA can be found in fatty fish, algae oil and dietary supplements, for example.