Fish and shellfish consumption decreases the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a new study. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the major dietary and structural omega-3 LCPUFA of the retina, has the capacity to modulate processes implicated in AMD...

Consumption of 2 and 4 egg yolks per day for 5 weeks increases macular pigment concentrations in older adults with low macular pigment taking cholesterol-lowering statins, according to a new study. Lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of dry age-related macular degeneration because of their photo-oxidative role as macular pigment....

A new epidemiologic study finds that diets high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and may mask the protective influences of consuming diets high in omega-3 PUFAs (fish oil). Previous epidemiological studies generally indicate a higher prevalence or...

A new study confirms earlier reports that visual impairment increased all-cause mortality in older persons. Visual impairment has consistently been associated with a higher risk of dying. Visual impairment is also reportedly associated with many factors also linked to increased mortality. These include unintentional injury, depression,...

Using data from the AREDS study, researchers find that consuming a diet rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - one of the active ingredients in fish oil - decreases the risk of progression of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Fish oil is rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the...

Using data from the AREDS study, researchers find that a low glycemic index diet rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with a lower risk of early and late age-related macular degeneration. Foods provide many nutrients that may interact to modify risk for...

A new study involving laboratory rats finds that both the retina and the lacrimal gland, whose role is to secrete tears onto the surface of the eye, absorbs omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids from the diet. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important components of fish oil, and it has been suggested that they are...

A new report from the Blue Mountains Eye Study finds that eating fish and nuts decreases the risk of early AMD, especially in people who avoid foods containing linoleic acid. There is growing evidence of the role of diet on the risk or the progression of AMD. The AREDS study found that a high-dose supplement of zinc and antioxidant vitamins (...

Experts say there are things that can help you avoid AMD or at least ward off the worst effects. Unfortunately, some of the known risk factors for AMD are things you can't change: Age - Greater risk with increasing age Gender - Women may be at higher risk Race - Whites are most affected Genetics - AMD runs in families But there are some...

A new study finds that weekly fish consumption decreases the risk of late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in persons with the high-risk complement factor H (CFH) genotype but not in persons with the low risk CFH genotypes. Complement factor H is an important regulator of the complement system. CFH specifically inhibits the alternative...