Better Vision - Nutrients slow progression to late-stage AMD

Vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and omega-3s beneficial

In age-related macular degeneration (AMD) people gradually develop blind spots in the center field of vision. In this study, doctors analyzed findings from two large clinical trials that photographed the interior surfaces of 14,135 eyes annually for over 10 years.

Doctors periodically measured the diets of study participants and found several nutrients appeared to significantly decrease chances of progressing to late-stage AMD. These included vitamins A and B6, beta-carotene, copper, lutein/zeaxanthin, magnesium, the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, and alcohol.

The nutrients slowed progress in two areas: late-stage AMD, where cells in the retina deteriorate and die; and drusen, pinhead-sized protein/fat deposits under the retina that can distort vision if too many develop or become too large.

Doctors said certain vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and fatty acids appear to slow the progression from early to late-stage AMD, and fortifying the diet with these readily available natural nutrients may be an effective preventative.

Reference: Ophthalmology, 2020, S0161-6420(20)30836-8