Omega-3 is a type of fatty acid — a building block of fat. Omega-3s are called essential fatty acids because people need them, but the human body can’t produce them. Instead, essential fatty acids are consumed through foods and supplements.

It might sound strange, but fat is crucial to your health. Without fat, your body can't work properly.

Cells, muscles, nerves and organs need fatty acids to work correctly. The hormone-like compounds that help regulate blood pressure, heart rate and blood clotting also rely on fatty acids.

Without “good fats” like omega-3 in your diet, your eye health may suffer too.

Omega-3s and omega-6s are both essential fatty acids. While omega-6 foods are often tagged as being unhealthy, that might actually be a bit misleading. But they still need to be balanced with their omega-3 counterparts.

Studies show, however, that it’s omega-3 that may offer the most benefit for your eyes.