In the past it was thought that inflammation was just related to many medical conditions but more and more we are finding out that inflammation is actually the cause of them. Unchecked, the inflammatory process can result in chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and dementia. Eye disorders are no exception. Dry eye, blepharitis, iritis, and age related macular degeneration are just a few conditions where inflammation plays a powerful role. It is becoming increasing important to learn how to control and decrease inflammation to minimize damage to the eyes and the rest of the body. We all are aware that non-prescription and prescription medications are available to decrease inflammation. Aspirin is taken to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although we thought for a long time that the blood-thinning effect was the reason for the risk reduction, we are now learning that aspirin limits the inflammatory process that precipitates plaque formation on the vessels.

For chronic inflammatory conditions such as dry eye, steroids have been proven to help, but are not ideal for long-term use. Therefore to control chronic diseases, much attention has been turned to Omega-3 free fatty acids (FFAs). Omega-3 FFAs are anti-inflammatory, while Omega-6 FFAs have both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. In the typical American diet, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is excessive, thus promoting inflammation.

To increase your consumption of omega-3 FFAs, eat oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout, herring, and oysters. If you are like me, these choices are not usually on my dinner menu. Therefore, I have chosen to take a fish oil supplement instead. Not all omega-3 supplements are the same. It is important to make sure the fish oil (and fish) is not contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury. Also marine-derived omega-3 FFAs are more beneficial than plant-derived. Here is a good article I found about omega-3 FFAs.

The information I have presented here is by no means exhaustive of the methods of controlling inflammation. However, since February is American Heart Month, I thought we could all use a little more information on how to keep us and our loved ones healthier.