Diet May Protect Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The disease may share risk factors with cognitive impairment, one study suggests

18 may 2009-- Dietary intake may have an influence over the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to two studies published in the May issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, while a third study in the same issue indicates that cognitive impairment may share common risk factors with the eye condition.

Michelle L. Baker, M.D., of the University of Melbourne in Australia, and colleagues conducted a study of 2,088 patients aged 69 to 97 years and found that those with the lowest cognitive function test scores were the most likely to have early AMD compared to those with the highest test scores.

Jennifer S. L. Tan and colleagues at the University of Sydney in Australia conducted a study of 3,654 elderly Australians and found that among the 2,454 subjects examined five and/or 10 years later, eating one weekly serving of fish was associated with reduced risk of early AMD, as was consumption of one to two weekly servings of nuts. Elaine W. T. Chong, M.D., of the University of Melbourne in Australia, and colleagues found that in a study of 6,734 participants aged 58 to 69 years, dietary fat consumption may have affected the odds of developing the eye disease.

"Higher trans-unsaturated fat intake was associated with an increased prevalence of late AMD," Chong and colleagues write. "A diet low in trans-unsaturated fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil may reduce the risk of AMD."

Abstract - Baker
Full Text
Abstract - Tan
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract - Chong
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)