Link Found Between Dietary Fat Intake and Macular Degeneration

For years, doctors have been warning people about the health risks of a diet high in polyunsaturated fats. Along with other areas of a person's health that are affected by such diets, a person's vision is at risk as well. Scientists have recently discovered that the amount and type of fats consumed can play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A study was published in the November 2009 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology which evaluated the relationship between the dietary intake of fat and the development of AMD. Women aged 50 to 79 years with high and low lutein intake were studied. Fat intake from 1994 to 1998 was estimated by utilizing questionnaires completed by the participants and AMD was evaluated photographically from 2001 through 2004. The results determined that diets high in polyunsaturated fat had a higher incidence of intermediate AMD while diets high in monounsaturated fats had a lower incidence of AMD. Researchers also noted that in women younger than 75 years, total fat and saturated fatty acid intakes were related to an increased occurrence of AMD. The good news from the study was that a diet high in monounsaturated fats may provide protection against developing AMD. Andrea Schumann Staff Writer