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Health & Nutrition
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Risk Factors
A number of factors are known to increase the risk of developing macular degeneration. These risk factors are: age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, elevated serum lipids, complement factor H, and excessive exposure to bright sunlight. Some of these factors are within an individual’s control and can be modified through changes in behavior.
The following factors may increase your risk for developing age–related macular degeneration:
- age
- family history of the disease
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- history of cardiovascular disease
- elevated serum lipids
- complement factor H
- excessive exposure to bright sunlight
The rate of macular degeneration in the population clearly increases with age. By age 75, the odds of having this condition are greater than 1 in 3.
If your parent or sibling has macular degeneration, you have an increased risk of developing the disease yourself.
Smoking has been identified as a strong risk factor for macular degeneration in many studies. Smoking will triple the risk of developing macular degeneration. Even secondhand smoking doubles the risk of macular degeneration compared with the general population. It is good to know that stopping smoking will reduce the risks, and after 20 years of not smoking the risks are no different from non–smokers.
It is particularly important for people with macular degeneration to try to stop smoking in order to protect their vision and to improve their overall health.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease may place additional stress on the blood vessels of the eye which could accelerate the development of macular degeneration and visual loss.
Elevated serum lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) have been associated with an increased risk of macular degeneration. If you have either of these conditions, it is important to follow your doctors’ recommendations for diet and medication.
Complement factor H is a marker of inflammation. Abnormalities in this gene have been linked with macular degeneration. Ongoing research may lead to new insights, diagnostic testing, or treatments.
Excessive exposure of the eyes to sunlight, particularly the blue and ultraviolet wavelengths, is considered to be a risk factor for both macular degeneration and cataract formation. Try using sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from overexposure to sunlight.
Antioxidant Supplements
Certain antioxidant supplements may prevent or slow the progression of macular degeneration in some people.
The role of nutrition in the development of macular degeneration is of great interest to patients and researchers. Many studies have been conducted over the past several years to see if antioxidant supplements can prevent or slow the progression of macular degeneration.
An important research study, the Age–Related Eye Disease Study, showed that one group of macular degeneration patients—those who are at high risk for developing advanced AMD—may be helped by taking supplements containing antioxidants and zinc. In this study, patients in this high–risk group lowered their risk by about 25 percent when treated with high–doses of both zinc and antioxidants.
Supplements Used in the AREDS Study:
- Vitamin C 500 mg
- Vitamin E 400 IU
- Vitamin A as 15 mg beta–carotene ˜25,000 IU
- Zinc 80 mg as zinc oxide
- Copper 2 mg as cupric oxide
The AREDS supplements benefited patients with either form of AMD (wet or dry). In general, the supplements appeared safe when taken for the duration of the study. Patients with AMD should consult with their eye doctor to discuss how the study findings apply to their specific situation.
Nutrition & Diet
Research has shown that patients who eat diets high in spinach or collard greens are less likely to develop macular degeneration. These and other green leafy vegetables such as: kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, and romaine lettuce, are good sources of two important macular pigments: lutein and zeaxanthin. These recommended nutrients are also found in: orange peppers, yellow corn, broccoli, avocados, oranges, and egg yolks.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are important nutrients found in kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, orange peppers, yellow corn, broccoli, avocados, oranges, and egg yolks.
Lutein and zeaxanthin supplements were not available at the time of the Age–Related Eye Disease Study and therefore could not be tested. Many physicians may recommend supplement formulations containing lutein and zeaxanthin.
Some people with macular degeneration have diets deficient in the mineral zinc. Zinc is found naturally in shellfish, fish, meat, oats, beans, and peas.
The mineral zinc is found in shellfish, fish, meat, oats, beans, and peas.
Research has shown that patients who eat diets high in omega–3 fatty acids are less likely to develop macular degeneration. Omega–3 fatty acids may also have a protective role against ongoing retinal damage.
Good dietary sources of omega–3 fatty acids are fish, fish oils, walnuts, and certain plant oils. Further research is necessary to understand the impact of these unsaturated fatty acids on macular degeneration.
Good dietary sources of omega–3 fatty acids are: oily fish (salmon, sardines, tuna), fish oils, walnuts, and some plant oils (flaxseed, canola).
For macular health, it is recommended to eat a wellbalanced diet with plenty of fruit, being careful to avoid excessive saturated fats and cholesterol. You should talk with your doctor about taking a daily multivitamin or an antioxidant supplement.
Several substances such as bilberry, ginkgo biloba, bioflavinoids, and shark cartilage have received attention in the popular media. There is no good scientific evidence regarding the safety or effectiveness of these preparations in preventing or treating macular degeneration.