Fish Eaters at low risk of age-related eye disease
Older adults who eat oily fish at least once a week have a lower risk of serious vision loss from age-related macular degeneration.
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Older adults who eat oily fish at least once a week have a lower risk of serious vision loss from age-related macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth behind the retina or breakdown of light-sensitive cells within the retina itself - both of which can cause serious vision impairment. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. There is no cure for AMD, but certain treatments may prevent or delay serious vision loss. Whether fish or omega-3 supplements can stall AMD progression is not yet clear.
To determine the relationship between fish and omega-3 consumption and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), researchers analysed data of 2,520 American adults aged 65 to 84 years, who underwent eye exams and complete detailed dietary questionnaires. Out of all, 15 percent were found to have early - or intermediate-stage AMD, while just 3 percent were in the advanced stage of the disease.
It was found that participants who ate one or more servings of omega-3 rich fish each week were 60 percent less likely to have advanced AMD than those who averaged less than a serving per week. Overall, there was no clear relationship between participants' reported fish intake and the risk of AMD. However, there was a connection between higher intake of omega-3 rich fish and the odds of advanced AMD. After taking factors like sex, race and smoking habits, which have been linked to AMD risk into account, it was noted that women appear to be at greater risk of AMD than men, and smokers face a higher risk than non-smokers.
The study shows that consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids is good not only for the heart but also lowers of the risk of developing AMD in older adults.
Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth behind the retina or breakdown of light-sensitive cells within the retina itself - both of which can cause serious vision impairment. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. There is no cure for AMD, but certain treatments may prevent or delay serious vision loss. Whether fish or omega-3 supplements can stall AMD progression is not yet clear.
To determine the relationship between fish and omega-3 consumption and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), researchers analysed data of 2,520 American adults aged 65 to 84 years, who underwent eye exams and complete detailed dietary questionnaires. Out of all, 15 percent were found to have early - or intermediate-stage AMD, while just 3 percent were in the advanced stage of the disease.
It was found that participants who ate one or more servings of omega-3 rich fish each week were 60 percent less likely to have advanced AMD than those who averaged less than a serving per week. Overall, there was no clear relationship between participants' reported fish intake and the risk of AMD. However, there was a connection between higher intake of omega-3 rich fish and the odds of advanced AMD. After taking factors like sex, race and smoking habits, which have been linked to AMD risk into account, it was noted that women appear to be at greater risk of AMD than men, and smokers face a higher risk than non-smokers.
The study shows that consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids is good not only for the heart but also lowers of the risk of developing AMD in older adults.
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