Irish Research Identifies New Risk Factor for Age-related Macular Degeneration
A new Irish study has found a strong correlation between changes in body composition and macular pigment levels found in the back of the eye.(1) While age remains the main risk factor for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which affects one in ten people over the age of 50,(2) the findings may have important implications for the growing proportion of people worldwide that are overweight. This is because weight increase may reduce macular pigment levels and therefore increase the risk of developing the eye condition.
Speaking in advance of the recent AMD Week 2010, Mr. Mark Cahill, Irish College of Ophthalmologists, said, “While age is the main risk factor related to the onset of AMD, we now know that lifestyle changes such as ensuring a balanced diet and blood pressure control can help prevent AMD progression. Overall, early detection is key. There are now treatment options available for AMD and these have dramatically improved over the past few years but it is important that AMD is diagnosed early to ensure maximum effectiveness.”
The new study, directed by Professor Stephen Beatty and Dr. John Nolan at the Waterford Institute of Technology and supported by the Irish charity Fighting Blindness, was designed to investigate which factors determine or influence a person’s macular pigment level. Macular pigment, which is a dietary pigment obtained from eating fruits and vegetables, is believed to protect against AMD as it filters blue light which causes damage to the macula and neutralises unstable molecules which are believed to contribute to AMD. The findings have confirmed that high levels of body fat reduce this protective eye pigment and that weight loss can significantly increase it, suggesting that weight loss may lead to additional protection against AMD.(1)
“This is a very interesting piece of research as it shows once again that diet and a healthy, active lifestyle are not only important for our general wellbeing but can protect us from sight loss,” said Avril Daly of Fighting Blindness. “We have known for many years that, after age and family history, smoking is the main cause of AMD but this important new research suggests that when you are overweight, the essential vitamins and minerals that are required for healthy vision do not reach the eye as needed.”
This year, RTÉ’s Mary Kennedy is working with the AMD Awareness partners to help encourage Irish people to look after their eye health. Speaking at the campaign launch, she said, “These days, getting older doesn’t necessarily mean a less active lifestyle. It is so easy to take good eye sight for granted and yet maintaining it is integral to enjoying our busy daily lives. ”
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RTE’s Mary Kennedy is joined by members of Artane Coolock Resource Centre in Dublin to launch the recent AMD Awareness Week 2010. AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is the most common cause of registered blindness in Ireland and is thought to affect one in ten people over 50.
AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina at the back of the eye that is responsible for the ‘straight-ahead’ vision necessary for everyday activities such as reading, driving, telling the time or identifying faces.(2) Latest statistics from the AMD Alliance predict that as the “baby boom” generation ages, the incidence of AMD is set to triple by 2025.(3)
According to Lynda McGivney-Nolan, Optometric Advisor with the AOI, “The most obvious symptoms of AMD are sudden onset of distortion and blurring in the centre of a person’s vision. During AMD Week, we are really encouraging people to have their eyes tested regularly to detect the early signs of AMD before it progresses to this stage.”
The test to detect the early signs of AMD can be carried out by local opticians/optometrists and eye doctors. It normally takes place as part of a routine eye examination. It is simple, quick, non invasive and gives an immediate result.
Further information about AMD and free testing locations throughout the country is available at www.amd.ie .
