Antioxidants may Reduce the Risk for Age-Related Maculopathy in Populations with High Ocular Exposure to Solar Radiation

Abstract

Age-related maculopathy (ARM) is a major cause of irreversible blindness in older adults. Experimental and epidemiological studies have shown that antioxidants are protective against the accumulation of oxidative stress by delaying the onset of many disease processes. Currently there are no successful medical approaches for the prevention of AMD. The limited effectiveness of laser treatment for the majority of people with the advanced form of AMD indicates a need for research into the potential causes and preventative treatments for AMD. The objectives of this study were to determine which antioxidants can prevent or retard the progression of this eye disorder in an older population. A case-control study of 85 pairs were matched for age and gender. Cases were identified as having the advanced form of AMD and controls without a diagnosis of AMD. Demographic, health, personal and dietary information was gathered using the Health Habits and History Questionnaire. Ocular exposure to solar radiation was obtained using an instrument developed for use in the Australian Visual Impairment Project. Results indicated that people with high ocular exposure to solar radiation have an increased risk of developing AMD and that higher intakes of antioxidants was associated with a lower risk of AMD. Early interventions such as the consumption of foods rich in antioxidants along with the use of adequate eye protection from solar radiation should be promoted to reduce the social, economic and personal burden of AMD in older adults.