Protective Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid against Retinal Ischemic Injury: An Electroretinographic Study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can reduce the retinal damage induced by transient retinal ischemia. Methods: Retinal ischemia was induced by increasing intraocular pressure (IOP). Retinal circulation was restored by lowering IOP. An intraperitoneal injection of 1,000 mg/kg of DHA-ester (DHA-E) was given 5 h before the ischemia. Electroretinograms were recorded just before the ischemia and at 60-min intervals up to 4 h after circulation was restored. Results: The ratio of the amplitudes after the ischemia to that just before ischemia was significantly higher in eyes administered DHA-E than in controls at each time point (p < 0.01). Conclusion: DHA-E is effective in protecting the retina against transient retinal ischemia.