Evidence for the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on progression of age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
As part of a larger systematic review on the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on eye health, the aim of this report was to appraise and synthesize the evidence for the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in slowing down the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and/or decreasing the rate of progression to advanced forms of AMD.


METHODS
A comprehensive search was undertaken in six databases (MEDLINE, PreMEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CAB Health, and Dissertation Abstracts).


RESULTS
Two unique studies, one randomized clinical trial (RCT) and one prospective cohort study, satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The RCT reported evidence on the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in slowing down the progression of AMD. The prospective cohort study addressed the question: what is the evidence that omega-3 fatty acids decrease the rate of progression to advanced forms of AMD?


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical research on this topic is scarce. Only two studies were eligible to be included in this review. Although one study result indicated efficacy of preventing AMD progression to its advanced form, this result needs to be duplicated and supported by future research.
Hodge
William G
WG
Department of Ophthalmology, Ottawa Hospital Eye Institute, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. whodge@ottawahospital.on.ca
Barnes
David
D
Schachter
Howard M
HM
Pan
Yi Irene
YI
Lowcock
Elizabeth C
EC
Zhang
Li
L
Sampson
Margaret
M
Morrison
Andra
A
Tran
Khai
K
Miguelez
Maia
M
Lewin
Gabriela
G
D016208:Databases, Factual; D018450:Disease Progression; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3