Fish Good for Macular Degeneration

A new Harvard study has found that smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, while a high consumption of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids-such as salmon, lake trout and tuna-lowers the risk of the disease. Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of visual loss in people over the age of 50, is caused by a deterioration of light sensing cells in the macula - the area at the center of the retina. The study looked into possible genetic and environmental risk factors for macular degeneration though the collection of data from nearly 700 elderly male twins. The participants were asked about any history of macular degeneration and completed an eye exam, food consumption and risk-factor questionnaire. Advanced macular degeneration was detected in 33% of patients. The remaining twins did not have macular degeneration. Analysis of the data showed a 2-fold increase in the risk of developing macular degeneration in current smokers. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids from a high consumption of fish-two or more times per week-was linked to a 45% lower risk of macular degeneration. The study is very significant since it shows that there are easy things that we can do to prevent our maculas from aging prematurely. The findings from the studies show the importance of a healthy lifestyle free of smoke and a healthy diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.