Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.
AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.
In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.
Studies show that people over age 60 are clearly at greater risk than other age groups. For instance, a large study found that people in middle-age have about a 2 percent risk of getting AMD, but this risk increased to nearly 30 percent in those over age 75.
Therefore, causes and prevention of this disabling disease are important to discern. One of the easiest preventions consists of following nutritional standards.
An important study, funded by the National Institute on Health, recently looked at the glycemic values of food and how that might relate to AMD. Their findings were significant. People who ate foods with a high glycemic level had a 17% more likelihood of developing AMD.
Foods that contribute to a lower dietary glycemic index include things such as legumes, rolled oats, basmati rice, whole bran, whole grains, and even pasta if it is cooked al dente (slightly hard). Foods that contribute to a higher glycemic index include things such as instant oatmeal, overcooked pasta, white bread, and many types of potatoes.
As a rule of thumb, foods which undergo less processing, are felt to be more protective and have a lower glycemic level.
ARVO 2007 Annual Meeting: Abstract 2101-B710. Presented Monday May 7, 2007
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/556202?sssdmh=dm1.269998&src=nldne
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