Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment in the United States.

Johanna M. Seddon, M.D., lead author and associate professor, Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, and Director Epidemiology at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and co-authors found that a higher intake of specific types of fat, including vegetable, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and linoleic acid may be associated with a greater risk for advanced AMD. Foods with higher levels of these fats overall tend to be highly processed, store-bought snack foods.

On the other hand, diets high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are primarily found in certain types of fish such as albacore tuna and salmon, were inversely associated with the risk for AMD when intake of linoleic acid (found in processed food and margarine), was low, said Seddon.

"Since the impact of AMD on our growing elderly population is rising, finding means of prevention is of utmost importance. Thus far only cigarette smoking is a well-established, modifiable risk factor. Additional studies of dietary factors might lead to nutritional means to reduce the risk for development of this important disease among susceptible individuals," Seddon said.

Based on the results of this study, the recommendations are to avoid highly processed snack foods and to consume two or more servings of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids per week to lower the risk of developing AMD.

The multi-center study took place at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York, the Wilmer Eye Institute in Maryland and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Founded in 1824, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an international center for treatment and research and a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.

Related website:

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

[Contact: Mary E. Leach]

16-Aug-2001