Happy New Year! It’s the start of a new year—time for resolutions and reflecting on the past twelve months. One of the most common resolutions I hear is to get healthier by exercising more and eating better. A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology (December 2019) supports exactly that goal when it comes to protecting your eyes.
The researchers examined dietary choices and their link to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. In eye care, we’ve long known that diet is a modifiable risk factor for AMD, and we discuss it with patients every day. This study found that the typical Standard American Diet (SAD)—high in processed foods, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats—was associated with an increased risk of developing AMD.
Most of us already understand that better lifestyle choices help prevent cardiovascular disease and protect the heart. This research reminds us that the same principle applies to our vision: eating well can help safeguard our eyesight as we age and reduce the risk of blindness from conditions like AMD.
Here’s to making choices in 2020 (and beyond) that protect both your heart and your eyes!
Dr. Jason
