BALTIMORE--Consuming fish and/or shellfish that are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) may help older adults preserve their vision and stave off age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in older adults. In a new study out of Johns Hopkins University, published online by Ophthalmology on July 12 (DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2010.03.058), researchers examined information on diet and incidence of AMD in a cohort of more than 2,500 adults (ages 65 to 84 years).
Overall, 15 percent of the cohort had early- or intermediate-stage AMD, while around 3 percent had advanced AMD. There was no clear relationship between fish intake and AMD risk, and no significant difference in fish intake and overall AMD incidence. However, subjects who consumed at least one serving of fatty fish per week had a 60 percent reduction in risk of advanced AMD.
The researchers also examined the intake of crab/oysters, which are rich in zinc, and AMD incidence, although there was no relationship seen. Zinc is part of the antioxidant formula that has been used in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), which has found consumption of a combination antioxidant supplement can reduce risk of onset and progression of AMD.