Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Evidence continues to show that oxidative stress contributes to age-related maculopathy (ARM) and that consuming appropriate antioxidants such as zeaxanthin may protect against this condition. 

The term maculopathy is associated with diseases of the macula, an area at the center of the retina that is associated with highly sensitive, accurate vision.  Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an example of maculopathy.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the link between lower intakes of antioxidants and ARM.   828 healthy Irish participants between the ages of 20 and 60 years were analyzed for risk factors for ARM and dietary intake of relevant nutrients.

Researchers showed that several variables related to risk for ARM are associated with a relative lack of key nutrients in the diet.  They determined that the most important and universal risk factor for ARM is a lack of dietary zeaxanthin.

Zeaxanthin is one of the two carotenoids contained within the retina of the eye.  Ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the lens, but visible or “blue” light penetrates to the retina, enabling us to see.  Along with lutein, zeaxanthin absorbs the potentially harmful effects of blue light.

How can you ensure you are consuming zeaxanthin?  Good dietary sources include green vegetables such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas and Brussels sprouts.

Read more about antioxidants and nutrient food sources for good eye health

Learn about natural zeaxanthin products

SOURCE:  O’Connell, et al, Diet and risk factors for age-related maculopathy, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 3, 712-722, March 2008.

Accumulated weight around the waist (abdominal fat) may be linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the most common cause of loss of vision and blindness in adults.

A recent study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology examined the association between changes in the waist-to-hip ratio (a measure of abdominal obesity) and risk of AMD. A total of 12,515 people aged 45 to 64 were followed over six years.

Researchers found that a higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was associated with elevated risk of AMD.

The good news is that study participants who reduced their WHR generally saw a reduction in risk of AMD. Overall, a 3 per cent or more decrease in WHR was associated with a 29 per cent reduced risk of AMD. The effect was greatest among those participants classified as obese: a decrease in WHR was associated with 59% lower odds of AMD.

Researchers concluded that middle-aged people who had a 3% or greater reduction in WHR over time were less likely to have AMD, particularly among those who were initially obese.

Learn more about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

SOURCE: Peeters, et al. Changes in Abdominal Obesity and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(11):1554-1560