Current Research & Treatment

The Role of Diet

Lutein and Zeaxanthin
There has been intense interest recently about the role of diet in maintaining eye health. Although still unproven, recent research suggests that the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin (pigments found in green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables) may help protect against macular degeneration. These pigmented compounds can help maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eye, absorbing light (leading to less light damage) and acting as antioxidants.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in healthy maculas. Scientists suspect that the way the body handles lutein and zeaxanthin may be disturbed in patients with macular degeneration or be diminished when the disease develops.

To better understand the influence of lutein and zeaxanthin in macular degeneration, researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and elsewhere have been conducting clinical studies of these substances. In the Nutrition and Age-Related Macular Degeneration study at OHSU, scientists have been studying whether eating a diet high in lutein and zeaxanthin raises their levels in the macula. A unique part of the study involved measuring the amount of pigment in the participants’ maculas and portions of the surrounding retina.

The potential benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin may be best acquired through whole, natural foods, which may contain other protective substances. We recommend eating a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are the natural sources of these nutrients.

It is recommended that people eat five to nine servings a day of fruits and vegetables high in lutein/zeaxanthin. These foods include green leafy vegetables, and other yellow, orange and green fruits and vegetables. To obtain quantities of lutein and zeaxanthin in a wholesome and safe manner that is several times the usual intake, include several servings each week from among the following foods: broccoli, brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cabbage, carrots, celery, collards, corn, cornmeal, cucumber, green beans, honeydew, kale, kiwi, lettuce, romaine & iceberg, mango, okra, oranges, orange juice, peas, green and orange bell peppers, persimmons, pumpkin, red seedless grapes, spinach, turnip greens, yellow squash,and zucchini squash.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in such cold-water fish as salmon and tuna, as well as in fish oil capsules are important in the management of heart disease. Preliminary research also suggests they be a protective factor in AMD. Additional studies should expand our knowledge about their role in eye health. Two or more servings of fish each week, such as salmon, tuna or sardines, or two to three one-gram capsules of fish oil per day are recommended.

A Healthy Diet
Eating whole, natural foods is considered the safest and most effective way to obtain nutrients for eye health. For overall health, we suggest a diet low in cholesterol, saturated and trans fat, sugar and salt.



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