Macular degeneration is commonly seen in the ageing population.  Statistics say that, in the United States, it is one of the primary causes of legal blindness in individuals who are 55 years old and older. In the US alone, greater than 1.75 million people are diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration.

Mainly attributed to the swift aging of the population in the United States, the present number is expected to rise up to approximately 3 million by the year 2020. Since an increase in the overall life expectancy is now evident, the development of age-related macular degeneration is becoming a foremost concern among health care professionals and of the public as well.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), or simply referred to macular degeneration, is an apt description for various pathological conditions that affects eye’s macula.  The macula is a small part of the retina of the eye which is responsible for colour perception as well as for clear, detailed and sharp central vision.  Macular degeneration occurs when this part of the retina starts to degenerate. Understandably, when the macula is affected, visual problems start to manifest.
To further describe the function of the macula, it would be best to imagine doing things that require much visual detail – such as recognizing a face, reading, or even threading a needle.  When a person goes to a doctor to have his eye checked, the 20/20 vision is the macula’s responsibility.

What are its Symptoms?

The most common symptom of macular degeneration is blurred vision, both when attempting to look at something up close and from a distance. Straight lines appear bent or irregular and objects seem to look different from one eye to the other. At times, blind spots may also occur which is indicative of a direct loss of the function of the macula.

The development of macular degeneration may significantly affect the life of the individual.  Safety and independence are greatly compromised, and the quality of life may start to deteriorate as well.  The effects of macular degeneration can be devastating and medical experts have recognized the need to do something about it.  Studies have been conducted in order to delve deeper into finding a way to prevent the onset of macular degeneration, or to slow down its progression.

Assessment of Eating Habits

In a study lasting for a period of one year, a group of researchers from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Wilmer Eye Institute examined information regarding the consumption of shellfish and fish in 2,391 individuals aged 65 to 84.  The subjects of the study reside along the eastern shore of Maryland.

Upon the completion of their dietary assessments, the researchers evaluated the participants for macular degeneration.  Results showed that 1,942 of the participants had no macular degeneration while 227 had the early stage of the disorder. Additionally, 153 individuals were at the intermediate stage of the disease and 68 exhibited macular degeneration at an advanced stage that were already showing signs of abnormal blood vessel bleeding and growth, which can directly lead to the severe loss of vision or blindness.

The participants in the study groups consumed an average of at least a single serving of shellfish or fish per week.  Those who were diagnosed with advanced-stage macular degeneration were found to be considerably less likely to eat fish and seafood which are high in omega-3.  This is according to one of the researchers, Sheila K. West, PhD.  She is a member of the Salisbury Eye Evaluation study.

Omega-3 against Macular Degeneration

The researchers said that the results of the study support the findings of previously conducted studies saying that the consumption of shellfish and fish that are rich in omega-3 may help protect against advanced-stage age-related macular degeneration. The findings of the study are found in the December issue of the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology.

The study also looked into the benefits of dietary zinc obtained from the consumption of oyster and crab against the risk for macular degeneration. However, a significant relationship between the two was not established.  West speculated that the probably reason behind the result is that the zinc levels which were obtained from seafood and fish were considerably low, in comparison with supplement levels.

How to Keep your Eyes Healthy

Making lifestyle changes could spell the difference between healthy eyes and going blind.  Nowadays, there are just too many things to do that puts excessive amounts of strain to the eyes.  Here are a few ways in order to keep your healthy:

• Remember to eat right.  Go for foods that are rich in vitamins A, C and E; zinc; selenium; folic acid; and of course, omega-3.
• Take a break.  Staring at a computer screen for hours and hours causes the eyes to go dry because people tend to blink less than normal.  It is advised to take a rest and close the eyes for about 5 seconds every time you feel your eyes getting too tired.
• Go for the light. When doing something – such as reading or writing – choose a well-lit place.  This way, you won’t have to squint while working.
• Wear sunglasses. When going out, especially during summer when then sun seems to glare a lot, put on those sun shades because too much UV rays will cause damage to your eyes.

Other Health Benefits of Omega-3

Aside from its role in promoting good eye health, there are also other health benefits that one may get from the consumption of omega-3 rich foods.  Below are just some of the examples of what omega-3 can do to your body:

• It helps in the prevention of cancer cell growth
• It helps reduce the risk for obesity
• It helps improve the body’s response to insulin
• It helps regulate blood pressure by enhancing the activity of the endothelium-derived nitric oxide, a chemical which causes arteries to dilate and relax
• It inhibits arterial thickening
• It reduces the aggregation of platelets which helps avoid excessive clotting of the blood. Excessive blood clots are potential sources of conditions such as aneurysm, stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and vascular diseases.
• It helps lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood
• It reduces inflammatory processes inside the body
• It helps improve sleep
• It improves concentration

Rich Sources of Omega-3

There are various sources of omega-3, so there is simply no excuse for not having enough.  The first step is as basic as making the decision to eat healthy.  Here are some of the richest sources of omega-3:

• Flax seeds
• Walnuts
• Salmons
• Sardines
• Soybeans
• Halibut
• Shrimps
• Tofu
• Snappers
• Scallops

Sources
emedicinehealth.com
visionrx.com
whfoods.com
pioneerthinking.com
omega3-foods.info
webmd.com