Dietary lipids may protect the retina against age‐related macular degeneration

Abstract

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual loss in the Western World. It is a disease of the retina probably initiated by the highly oxidising environment of this tissue. The Age‐Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) demonstrated in 2001 that a supplement of the antioxidants β‐carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and the minerals zinc and copper can slow down the progression of AMD. The use of this supplement should be standard practice in all countries. It is known that the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and the very long chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play special roles in protecting the retina against oxidative damage and there is some evidence from epidemiological studies that these nutrients slow down the progression of AMD. AREDS 2 a randomised controlled trial is testing the ability of DHA, lutein and zeaxanthin to slow down the progression of AMD. Until this study is complete in 2012 AMD patients should consider taking a supplement corresponding to the AREDS 2 formulation as a precaution.