Macular degeneration related to aging causes a gradual deterioration of ones central vision. It is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly. Currently there is no cure or treatment for this condition. However, researchers thought that a diet rich in anti-oxidants might prevent macular degeneration. Unfortunately, the most recent study indicates that anti-oxidants do not protect against macular degeneration.
Most researchers believe that there still may be a nutrition connection. Researchers have found that systemic inflammation is directly linked to the risk of developing loss of sight. This would imply that an anti-inflammatory diet may help in preventing this devastating condition.
Anti-oxidants by themselves may not be enough to reduce the risk of eyesight loss but including them with an anti-inflammatory diet may be important.
Anti-oxidants help reduce inflammation, but a true anti-inflammatory diet requires limiting saturated and trans fats, increasing monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fats, moderating the glycemic index, and including nutrients that lower homocysteine. Inflammation also makes the risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression much greater. This indicates good reasons to consider an anti-inflammatory diet.
Of course always talk to your doctor about changes to your diet that you are considering.