Macular degeneration is the predominant cause of vision loss in Americans over the age of 60, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Medical treatments for the condition may improve or slow down the progression of the disease, but currently no cure for macular degeneration exists. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), sponsored by the National Eye Institute, showed that taking high levels of antioxidants can reduce your risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration. Antioxidants exist as vitamins and minerals in certain foods. Changing your dietary habits to include more of these nutrients and lowering your fat intake may play a role in the development and progression of the disease.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, protecting against oxidation, which is a part of the process of AMD. Vitamins C and beta carotene are antioxidants that could decrease your risk of developing advanced macular degeneration. Foods that contain vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes. As a precursor of vitamin A, beta carotene is found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens. You should discuss any dietary changes with your physician; your physician may suggest antioxidant supplementation depending on your situation.
Include Foods Containing Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another antioxidant vitamin that may help affect the development of advanced macular degeneration disease. Vegetable oils, margarine, whole grains, seeds, nuts and peanut butter all contain vitamin E. Your eye doctor may also recommend vitamin E supplementation as well.
Decrease Fat
Another dietary change that may improve your risk of this disease is to limit your fat intake. High fat intake has been associated with an increased risk of macular degeneration, as noted by The Eye Digest. Decreasing your consumption of saturated fats in meats like beef, pork and lamb and full-fat dairy products may lower your risk. You should select leaner cuts of meat, low fat or no fat dairy products and beans to obtain the necessary protein in your daily diet.
Eat More Foods with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Eating fish is another way to obtain the necessary protein in your diet. Fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can also help lower the risk of macular degeneration. Salmon and sardines are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids; other sources include flaxseed oil canola oil and walnuts. You should discuss increasing your fish intake with your physician; supplements for omega-3s are available, but your doctor should weigh in on that decision before you implement these changes.
References
- AMD.org: can Diet and Vitamins Help?
- The Eye Digest, University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary: Macular Degeneration Info
- American Dietitic Association: Antioxidants
- AllAboutVision.com: How Diet and Nutrition Protect Aging Eyes
- National Eye Institute: The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
