Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disease and is the major cause of blindness in the elderly. While there is no cure for this disease, research shows that certain nutrients found in foods can play important role in prevention of macular degeneration. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends foods rich in vitamins C, E and beta-carotene; mineral zinc; antioxidant phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin; and omega-3 fatty acids, to slow down the development and progression of the disease.
Macular Degeneration Background
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a painless condition that destroys the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details. As AMD advances, your sharp, central vision slowly deteriorates, causing blurriness, a dark spot in the center of the visual image and eventually severe vision loss. AMD mostly affects people over the age of 60 and is more common among women than men.
Vitamins and Minerals
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, conducted by the National Eye Institute, found that daily supplementation with 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 milligrams of vitamin E, 15 milligrams of beta-carotene and 80 milligrams of zinc oxide may help you to slow down the disease progression. However, you may want to consult your doctor before stocking up on supplements. Beta-carotene supplements can increase cancer risk in smokers, and zinc supplementation may cause copper-deficiency anemia if taken over time. On the other hand, foods containing these vitamins and minerals are unlikely to cause any side effects or increase cancer risk. Make sure to eat oranges or other citrus fruits, green or red bell peppers, cantaloupes, kiwis and strawberries to get plenty of vitamin C. Include healthy oils, such as olive and canola oils, as a source of vitamin E. Carrots, spinach and broccoli can provide a sufficient amount of beta-carotene if you eat them daily. Meat, poultry and especially seafood are rich sources of zinc and should be a part of your diet.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macula; therefore, it seems probable that deficiency of these dietary components can contribute to AMD. In the August 31, 2009, issue of the journal "Acta Horticulturae," Dr. P. S. Bernstein of the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, encourages "consumption of a healthy diet rich in multiple daily servings of colorful fruits and vegetables rich in lutein and zeaxanthin" to decrease risk of AMD. Food sources of these carotenoids are: green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, beet greens and romaine lettuce; broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, corn and squash; as well as some fruits like kiwi fruit and grapes.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids can slow down the advancement of AMD. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are the best source of omega-3. In the September 2009 issue of the "British Journal of Ophthalmology," Dr. C-J Chiu of Tufts University School of Medicine, department of ophthalmology, recommends eating "two to three servings per week of cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, shellfish and herring" for AMD prevention.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Diet and Nutrition
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute: Age-Related Macular Degeneration: What You Should Know
- "Acta Horticulturae"; Nutritional Interventions Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration; P.S. Bernstein; Aug. 31, 2009
- "British Journal of Ophthalmology"; Does Eating Particular Diets Alter the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Users of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Supplements?; C-J Chiu, et al.; September 2009
