Health Discoveries in General Health News
Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce age-related eye disease
January 3, 2011
A Maryland study found that seniors who eat more fish and seafood that provide higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in their diets may reduce their risk of the eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Johns Hopkins researchers reviewed data from a one-year dietary survey of about 2,400 seniors that took place in the early 1990s. The seniors, between the ages of 65 and 84 all lived on the Maryland Eastern Shore and ate fish and seafood regularly.
"While participants in all groups, including controls, averaged at least one serving of fish or shellfish per week, those who had advanced AMD were significantly less likely to consume high omega-3 fish and seafood," said Sheila K. West, of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
The findings were published recently in the journal Ophthalmology.
The Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service of the North Shore-LIJ Health System provides a range of screening and treatment services for conditions that include cataracts, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Pediatric ophthalmology services include treatment of children's eye diseases and eye muscle disorders, which include strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), blocked tear ducts and genetic eye disorders.
A Maryland study found that seniors who eat more fish and seafood that provide higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in their diets may reduce their risk of the eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Johns Hopkins researchers reviewed data from a one-year dietary survey of about 2,400 seniors that took place in the early 1990s. The seniors, between the ages of 65 and 84 all lived on the Maryland Eastern Shore and ate fish and seafood regularly.
"While participants in all groups, including controls, averaged at least one serving of fish or shellfish per week, those who had advanced AMD were significantly less likely to consume high omega-3 fish and seafood," said Sheila K. West, of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
The findings were published recently in the journal Ophthalmology.
The Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service of the North Shore-LIJ Health System provides a range of screening and treatment services for conditions that include cataracts, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Pediatric ophthalmology services include treatment of children's eye diseases and eye muscle disorders, which include strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), blocked tear ducts and genetic eye disorders.