Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye disease of older people. It causes loss of the sharp, central vision needed for reading, driving, watching television, recognising people and performing many other activities of daily living.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking and being overweight are the best recognised risk factors thought to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Some scientists say that high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and a low intake of antioxidants may also be risk factors.

Very little is known about whether diet affects the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Unfortunately, some media stories have inappropriately stated that vegetable oils increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The few studies that imply vegetable oils cause eye disease originate from the US where vegetable oils have a different composition to those used in Australia. There are no studies with Australians that indicate vegetable oils can lead to macular degeneration.

However, there is overwhelming evidence that unsaturated vegetable oils are an important part of diets that protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease. Replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats lowers blood cholesterol levels and therefore reduces the risk of developing heart disease. All responsible health organisations such as the Heart Foundation currently recommend replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats, including many vegetable oils.

The Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults recommend the following for optimal health:

• Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods
• Eat plenty of vegetables, legumes and fruit: fruit and vegetables contain a variety of antioxidants that may be protective not only against macular degeneration but also heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
• Eat plenty of cereals, preferably wholegrain
• Include lean meat, fish, poultry and/or alternatives
• Include milks, yoghurts, cheeses, and/or alternatives. Reduced fat varieties should be chosen where possible
• Drink plenty of water

and take care to

• Limit saturated fat and moderate total fat intake: moderating total fat intake can assist with maintaining a healthy weight and blood cholesterol levels. A healthy weight is important, as being overweight has been associated with both eye disease and heart disease.
• Choose foods low in salt
• Limit alcohol intake if you choose to drink
• Consume only moderate amounts of sugars and foods containing added sugars

An Accredited Practising Dietitian can assist you with a tailored healthy eating plan to reduce your risk of diet related lifestyle diseases and for optimal health.