The Role of Omega-3 and Antioxidant Nutrients in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review Article

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. The cause of the disease is not well explained; studies previse a multifactorial etiology. Various results of studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may have beneficial effects in AMD. Besides the omega-3, clinical evidence showed that specific micronutrients (antioxidant vitamins and minerals) protect against AMD. The definition of risk factors for the development and progression of AMD is important for understanding the causes of the disorder and for the determination of its prevention strategies. In this study, the relationship between omega 3 and antioxidant nutrients and the incidence and progression of AMD were evaluated.

A narrative review on dietary components and patterns and age-related macular degeneration

“…When lutein and zeaxanthin interact with free radicals, lycopene takes in their unpaired electrons (61) . Lutein and zeaxanthin levels are high in eggs and a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, including kale, spinach, broccoli and parsley (5,67) .…”

“…The progression rate of the disease is rapidly accelerating, resulting in an important public health problem. The incidence of AMD increases with advancing age, and the development of AMD is influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors (3)(4)(5) . For the dry AMD type, there is currently no pharmaceutical therapy available, while intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) inhibitors are utilised in the treatment of wet AMD (6,7) .…”