Diet Keeps Age-Related Vision Loss at Bay

NEW YORK—A new study published in the journal Ophthalmology reveals that older adults who eat low-glycemic diets rich in citrus fruits, leafy greens, oily fish like salmon and mackerel, and vegetable oils may have a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration.

As reported by Reuters, researchers found that participants who ate fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or foods high in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin, had a relatively lower risk of AMD. Lutein and zeaxanthin are plant pigments that act as antioxidants and are found in broccoli, spinach and other leafy green vegetables, and egg yolks. The study also found that diets containing foods with a low glycemic index appeared to protect against AMD. Participants who combined all three dietary patterns also showed a decreased AMD risk.