Fatty fish guards against eye disease: Study

Adding omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, to a diet can stave off the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a vision-damaging disease.

The study and its findings
Almost 3,000 people took part in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study conducted by researchers at Tufts University, Boston.

Using a food frequency questionnaire, the researchers obtained dietary information of each participant at baseline. Participants also underwent general physical and eye exams during the 8-year trial period.

Analyses revealed a 25 percent lower risk of progression (both dry and wet forms) of advanced AMD among those eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Though the exact theory behind the results is not known, researchers believe omega-3 fatty acids in fish alter fat levels in the blood, thus offering protection against AMD.

The findings are published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Moderation is the key
According to the daily intake recommendations, 650 mg of omega-3 substantially slashes the risk of both early and late stage AMD, researchers highlighted. These recommendations can be safely met by eating at least two portions of fish a week, they claim.

However, consuming more than four portions of fish a week can confer negative results, researchers cautioned. Oily fish contain low levels of pollutants that can build up in the body, they explained.

Also, girls planning to conceive, pregnant women and breastfeeding women should limit their intake to two portions of fish a week, researchers advised.

About AMD
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye disease characterized by the age-related deterioration of the macula – the key area responsible for central vision. Any damage or breakdown of the macula results in progressive vision loss.

While age-related impairment is believed to be the leading cause of the disease, a diet high in saturated fats, cigarette smoke and excessive exposure to bright sunlight lead to the progression of the disease.

High blood pressure and diabetes are also known to contribute to the disease as they limit the blood flow to the eye.