Who is susceptible to macular degeneration and what causes it?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects Canadians over the age of 50 and the incidence is expected to increase by 50 per cent over the next two decades. It’s a chronic disease that attacks the central part of the retina called the macula, which controls fine, detailed vision. The condition results in progressive loss of visual sharpness, making it difficult to drive a car, read a book or recognize faces. It’s thought to be caused by a number of factors such as genetics, family history, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, excessive sunlight exposure, and a diet low in antioxidants. Question: What did this new study find? Inflammation is also thought to play a role in the development of AMD. One omega-3 fatty acid in fish, called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), is concentrated in the retina where it’s thought to prevent damage through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the study, researchers investigated omega-3 fatty acid intake among 1,837 older adults with AMD
