About 30-40% of the fatty acid composition of the rod photoreceptor outer segments of the retina is DHA. Biophysical and biochemical properties of DHA may affect photoreceptor membrane function by altering permeability, fluidity, thickness and lipid phase properties. The tissue DHA status affects retinal cell signalling mechanisms involved in signal transduction.
DHA plays a major role in visual function in both visual development in infants and visual function throughout life. Increased dietary intake of omega-3 PUFAs increases the omega-3 FA content of the rod outer segments.
Various clinical studies in infants and meta-analyses suggest that greater visual acuity in infancy is associated with increased intake of long-chain PUFAs. Reduced visual acuity has consistently been observed in primate and rodent offspring subjected to dietary conditions during gestation that result in significant reductions in retinal concentrations of DHA. Further it has been observed that functions of the retina mature earlier when infants are supplemented with DHA.
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