Optimizing Nutrition to Delay Age Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual loss in older adults, affecting 30–50 million individuals worldwide and over two million individuals in the USA (Ann Med 38(7):450–71, 2006; Facts about age-related macular degeneration, NIoH; 2010]. Over 15 % of the elderly are affected. While AMD does not result in complete blindness on its own, the loss of central vision can impair the ability to perform everyday activities, decreasing quality of life (Mol Aspects Med 33(4):318–75, 2012). Costs associated with AMD are in excess of $340 billion in the USA, and for the majority of AMD patients in the USA, there is no clinical treatment (Ann Med 38(7):450–71, 2006). Given the aging population, and changing diets toward diets that may enhance risk for AMD (see below), the prevalence of AMD is projected to grow, with over five million individuals being affected by 2050 (Facts about age-related macular degeneration, NIoH; 2010). Treatment options for AMD are limited to treating only the most advanced stages of AMD, and for only the 15 % of AMD sufferers with “wet” AMD, in which some vision is already lost (Nutrients 5(7):2405–56, 2013). Given the limited therapeutic options available for AMD, preventative interventions through dietary modification are attractive strategies. Here we review studies that suggest benefits of certain nutrients with respect to AMD, with few, if any, adverse side effects. For an exhaustive review of the literature available for these nutrients please see review by Weikel et al. (Mol Aspects Med. 33(4):318–75, 2012).