A scene as viewed by person without AMD
Several recent studies have shown that consuming certain nutrients as well as low-glycemic index foods may reduce the risk for developing age-related macular degeneration. This eye disease, which mainly affects people age 55 and older, is a major cause of severe vision loss and blindness among older adults.
What is macular degeneration?
The macula is a sensitive area at the back of the eye on the retina that is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye. When this spot is damaged or destroyed, straight-ahead vision is compromised. This makes it difficult to impossible to read, recognize faces or colors, drive, watch television, and do tasks that require definition and straight-on sight.
Diet and macular degeneration
In onestudy, researchers analyzed dietary data and food patterns from 4,003 individuals who participated in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). They discovered that people who followed a low-glycemic index (GI) diet were at lowest risk for developing both early and advanced AMD. The GI value of food is based on how fast the carbohydrates it contains can raise blood sugar levels in the body. Low-GI foods have much less effect on blood sugar fluctuations.
Foods on the GI are rated from 0 to 100. Low-glycemic index foods include high-bran cereals, beans, legumes, some fruits (e.g., cherries, citrus), most vegetables, turkey, chicken, pasta, “white” fish, some whole grains (e.g., barley but not whole wheat), and low-fat yogurt and buttermilk.
How a person with AMD would see the same scene
The scientists also analyzed nutrients that are helpful in preventing AMD, including vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]).
In a subsequent study, which appeared in the June 12, 2009, issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology, researchers found that a diet rich in DHA was associated with lower progression of early AMD, and that along with the abovenamed nutrients, an eating plan that includes lower GI foods and higher intakes of DHA and EPA was associated with reduced progression to advanced AMD.
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Low-glycemic foods and certain nutrients can help reduce risk of AMD
More about macular degeneration
It is estimated that 18 million people will have AMD by 2050, 1.6 million of whom will be legally blind. Adhering to the nutritional dietary findings from these studies may help reduce this ominous statistic. You can get additional information about macular degeneration and treatment options from the resources listed here.
East Valley Ophthalmology (Mesa)
Healing the Eye (Phoenix)
Macular Degeneration Network (New York)
Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale)
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Comments
As people continue to live longer, the incidence of eye disease such as macular degeneration is on the rise. These types of debilitating eye diseases rob people of vision, and can result in individuals losing their independence.
It is believed that the visual system requires up to 25% of the nutrients we take into our bodies in order to stay healthy. Impaired circulation and/or poor absorption of nutrients can significantly contribute to eye disease. Regular exercise and management of emotional stress are also critical for maintaining health.
Eye conditions/diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and may others can be responsive to specific nutritional supplementation
For example. there is a great deal of peer review research now showing the vision can be preserved through a proper diet and specific nutritional supplementation, and that macular degeneration is a nutritionally responsive eye disease.
The recent B vitamin study showing
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