Study Examines Mediterranean Diet’s Impact on Age-Related Eye Conditions

Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A recent European study explored the potential benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet in reducing age-related eye conditions, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of blindness in Western countries. AMD typically affects older individuals and targets the macula, the central area of the retina crucial for activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

There are two primary forms of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD, the more prevalent type, involves the formation of small fatty deposits within the macula, leading to gradual deterioration. Approximately 10-15% of individuals with dry AMD may progress to wet AMD, characterized by the emergence of fragile new blood vessels beneath the macula. These vessels can bleed into the retina, resulting in rapid vision loss. While no treatment exists for dry AMD, therapies are available for wet AMD.

The Role of Diet in AMD Risk

Research indicates that various factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle choices such as diet, influence the risk of developing AMD. Identifying these risk factors can aid healthcare professionals in finding strategies to mitigate the risk of AMD and prevent blindness.

Previous studies have highlighted the Mediterranean diet’s potential to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. This diet emphasizes a high intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, unrefined grains, fish, and olive oil, along with moderate wine consumption and limited meat intake.

Research Collaboration and Findings

A collaborative research group in Europe aimed to determine if adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet could lower the risk of developing AMD. Their findings were recently published in the journal Ophthalmology.

The researchers analyzed data from two extensive population studies focused on eye health and nutrition: the Rotterdam Study and the Alienor Study. Initially, patients underwent eye examinations and received dietary guidance from nutritionists about the Mediterranean diet. Over several years, their eye health and adherence to the diet were monitored. In the Rotterdam Study, participants aged 55 and older were assessed every five years for 21 years, while the Alienor Study involved participants aged 73 and above, who were evaluated every two years over a four-year span.

The combined analysis of nearly 5,000 patients revealed a significant finding: individuals with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 41% lower risk of developing advanced AMD compared to those with low adherence. Notably, no single component of the diet—such as fish, fruits, or vegetables—was identified as the primary factor; rather, it was the overall dietary pattern that contributed to the reduced risk.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This study supports the premise that following a Mediterranean-style diet may lower the risk of AMD and help prevent blindness. The research team advocates for dietary improvements similar to smoking cessation efforts, suggesting that individuals should be encouraged to abandon unhealthy diets to stave off chronic diseases like AMD.

References

Merle BMJ, Colijn JM, Cougnard-Gregoire A, et al. (for The Eye Risk Consortium) Mediterranean diet and incidence of advanced age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology (article in press) – doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2018.08.006
American Academy of Ophthalmology. New study confirms Mediterranean diet prevents a leading cause of blindness. 30th Sept 2018. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-09/aaoo-nsc093018.php