Diet And Macular Degeneration

The Study

Age related macular degeneration is a disease that causes vision loss in millions of Americans. There is evidence that diet plays a role in the progression of this debilitating disease.

In this interesting study, 1,757 subjects (and 2,697 eyes) showed signs of early stage macular degeneration. Diet was measured with food frequency questionnaires and subjects were followed for 5 years to see if any foods were associated with progression of this disease.

-By the end of follow-up, subjects consuming greater than 2.5 servings per week of green leafy vegetables had a 25% lower incidence of progression of their macular degeneration. A serving was considered ½ cup.

-Subjects consuming 2 or more 4-ounce servings of fish had a 21% lower incidence of progression. 

-The researchers calculated that 41% of outcomes in this study could have been prevented if everyone in the cohort consumed adequate amounts of fish and green leafy vegetables.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2024; 120:1387-98

Take Home Message

Fish and green leafy vegetables should be a part of every healthy diet. If you have early stage or a family history of macular degeneration, these appear to be particularly important.