Age-related macular degeneration: how fish oil can help the condition

The incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be reduced by about 60% by enriching the weekly diet with at least one portion of fish high in Omega-3. This is stated by researchers from the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore (USA), who demonstrated how fish rich in Omega-3 counteracts the onset of this disease. Data collected during their studies, published in the journal Ophthalmology, showed that choosing to eat fatty fish at least once a week reduces the risk of presenting a severe form of the disease by 60%. This protective effect offers new hope for those suffering from this condition, which is among the leading causes of blindness over the age of 55 and for which a 50% increase in incidence is estimated in the next 10 years.

Age-related macular degeneration: a disease leading to blindness

Age-related macular degeneration is an aging-related disease that affects the retina, the innermost membrane of the eye. Specifically, the condition causes alterations at the macula level, the central part of the retina that allows sharp vision. Its basis lies in changes to the structures located beneath the retina that make it difficult for nutrients and oxygen to pass through the retina. These alterations also prevent the removal of waste substances necessary for vision, which instead accumulate under the epithelium. Previous studies have shown that high amounts of Omega-3 are present inside the retina. For this reason, the researchers at Johns Hopkins University, led by Sheila West, decided to verify if a diet rich in fish could counter the disease.

The study

West and her team analyzed data from 2,520 individuals involved in the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) Study, research involving men and women aged between 65 and 84 years, all residing in Maryland (USA). All participants completed questionnaires about their eating habits, which allowed determination of the type and amount of fish included in their diet. The level of macular degeneration at the start of the study was determined through analysis of photographs of the inner surface of the eye. This made it possible to establish that 227 participants had the disease in early stages, 153 in intermediate stages, and 68 in advanced stages. The latter corresponded to abnormal blood vessel proliferation, bleeding, or loss of a high number of cells.

Omega-3 consumption: results in favor of health

Statistical analysis of the data revealed that individuals who eat fish rich in Omega-3 at least once a week have a 60% reduced probability of presenting the disease in advanced stages. These results align with the hypothesis that adequate levels of Omega-3 are important for eye health. According to the authors, further studies will clarify the exact association between consumption of fish, shellfish, zinc, and Omega-3 and the risk of age-related macular degeneration.  

Source

1. Swenor BK, Bressler S, Caulfield L, West SK, “The impact of fish and shellfish consumption on age-related macular degeneration”, Ophthalmology. 2010 Dec;117(12):2395-401. Epub 2010 Jul 13