A new study has found that twice-weekly consumption of fish prevented those with Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, from deteriorating into the advanced form of the disease. Age-related macular degeneration is an aging disease of the eye that gradually destroys the macula, seated at the center of the retina, resulting in the deterioration of sharp, central vision. Why is central vision important? According to the National Eye Institute, central vision is “needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.”

The same scene as viewed with normal vision,
and then age-related macular degeneration.

The study, published by researchers at Tufts University (Boston) in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, followed over 3,000 people and found results for both the “wet” and “dry” forms of the disease. The “wet” form occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula, and tend to be very fragile, often leaking blood and fluid that dislocates the macula. The “dry” form occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. The most common symptom of the dry form is drusen, yellow deposits that form under the retina in people over 60. The researchers believe “omega 3 fatty acids offer protection against AMD by altering fat levels in the blood after a meal that can be damaging to the body.”

Age-related macular degeneration affects over half a million in the UK and more than 10 million Americans, and is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Omega-3 fish oil has already been found in studies to prevent age-related blindness, as well as dry-eye syndrome and this latest research suggests benefits for those already with the disease. A diet low on the Glycemic Index, as well as the intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, led to greater reductions in the advancing of the disease.

Source: Oily fish ‘can halt eye disease’ at BBC News