Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with the retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged.

AMD is very common. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 years or older.

People are more likely to develop AMD if they are overweight, eat a diet high in saturated fat, smoke cigarettes, have high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol levels.

AMD is caused, in part, to oxidative stress in the retina as well as exposure to UV light. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin (two carotenoids) have the ability to filter short-wavelength light associated with photochemical damage and act as antioxidants. 

Studies have shown that diets highest in lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with a lower risk of AMD.

Other nutrients such as vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are also important in vision health due to their antioxidant functions and anti-inflammatory properties.

References:

Evans, J. R., & Lawrenson, J. G. (2017). Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age‐related macular degeneration. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).

Wu, J., Cho, E., Willett, W. C., Sastry, S. M., & Schaumberg, D. A. (2015). Intakes of lutein, zeaxanthin, and other carotenoids and age-related macular degeneration during 2 decades of prospective follow-up. JAMA ophthalmology, 133(12), 1415-1424.