Fruits, Veggies Benefit Eyes

PARIS, FranceConsuming more fruits and vegetables was associated with stronger eye health in a recent French study (J Fr Ophtalmol. 2010 Apr;33(4):234-40). Researchers found eating habits affected macular pigment optical density (MPOD), especially in patients older than 50 years with drusen (an early sign of macular degeneration).

Patients included in this pilot study where categorized into four groups: (1) younger than 50 years with drusen, (2) 50 years or older without drusen, (3) 50 years or older with drusen, and (4) 50 years old or older with drusen and neovascularization. Food supplements were consumed by 58.5 percent of patients in group 4. During consultation, MPOD was measured and information on pathology and eating habits were collected.

MPOD was lower in group 1 patients when they ate fewer than five portions of fruits and vegetables per day and less than two portions of cabbage, broccoli, pepper, corn or spinach a week. In groups 3 and 4, food supplement intake was related to an increase in optical density.