Dietary ω-3 deficiency and IOP insult are additive risk factors for ganglion cell dysfunction

Abstract

Aim: Dietary deficiencies in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to effect retinal function including retinal ganglion cell (RGC) activity, which may have implications for glaucoma. In this study we consider retinal function after dietary manipulation and intraocular pressure (IOP) stress designed to compromise RGCs. Methods: Sprague-Dawley dams were fed either ω-3 sufficient (ω-3+, n=15) or deficient (ω-3 -, n=16) diets 5 weeks before conception with pups subsequently weaned onto their mothers diets. At 20 weeks of age, acute IOP elevation was induced repeatedly through anterior chamber cannulation to 70mm Hg for 1 hour on 3 separate occasions separated by 1 week. Electroretinograms w..