Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are connected with visual development in infants. Deficiencies in adults (particularly omega-3) can lead to impaired vision, and studies suggest that prolonged deficiencies might lead to retinal/macular damage. A study published in the August 2001 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology found that omega-6 fatty acids were associated with an increased risk of advanced macular degeneration, but that omega-3 fatty acids protected against it (as long as LA intake was low). Meanwhile, a 2003 study found omega-3 to decrease your risk of developing dry eye syndrome, and other studies have found that LA and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) improve dry eye symptoms.
The body converts both types of EFAs into prostaglandins, whose functions include helping the eye's aqueous humor to drain and regulating intraocular pressure.
