COVID-19 Vaccine, Testing, Resources & Visitor Policy Updates
Not Feeling Well? Check Your Symptoms with the New Online Symptom Checker.
  • MYCHART LOGIN PAY MY BILL FIND A DOCTOR FIND A LOCATION PATIENTS & VISITORS MEDICAL SERVICES COMMUNITY OUTREACH RESOURCES CAREERS CONTACT US
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Medical Services
  • Community Outreach
  • Resources
  • Careers
MYCHART LOGIN PAY MY BILL FIND A DOCTOR FIND A LOCATION PATIENTS & VISITORS MEDICAL SERVICES COMMUNITY OUTREACH RESOURCES CAREERS CONTACT US
  • Homepage
  • HealthLibrary
  • FAQ
Menu
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Diseases & Conditions
  • First Aid
  • Symptoms
  • Tests & Procedures
  • Videos
  • Definitions
  • FAQs

Age-related macular degeneration and diet

Can I alter my diet to lower my risk of age-related macular degeneration?

Updated: 2020-07-17


Answer Section

Yes. You're smart to be thinking about prevention. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. It destroys the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision.

Good nutrition and lifestyle play important roles in preventing and slowing the progression of this disease.

The key nutrients identified so far are carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin), vitamins C and E, copper, and zinc. These nutrients have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish also may be beneficial, although this isn't as well-supported.

Here are good food sources for these nutrients:

  • Carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin) and vitamin C — Apricots, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, collard greens, grapefruit, oranges, papaya, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes
  • Vitamin E — Almonds, fortified cereals, fortified soy milk, peanuts, tomatoes, sunflower seed, sunflower oil, wheat-germ oil
  • Zinc— Alaskan king crab, baked beans, beef, fortified breakfast cereal, oysters, pork, poultry (dark meat)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids — Herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, salmon, sardines, tuna

Research has found that dietary supplements don't prevent AMD, but they may help slow progression in people who already have the disease.

If you're concerned about AMD, talk with your doctor. Also be sure to eat a healthy diet, don't smoke, exercise regularly, and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels at acceptable levels.


Content from Mayo Clinic
© 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use
About St. Elizabeth
  • About Us
  • Associate Log In
  • Associate Intranet
  • Careers
  • For Health Professionals
  • Foundation
  • St. Elizabeth Physicians
  • Learn More
How Can We Help?
  • Find a Location
  • Find a Provider
  • Frequently Called Numbers
  • Health Library
  • Pay My Bill
  • Pagar Su Factura
  • Site Map
Legal
  • Disclaimer/HIPAA
  • Patient Rights and Responsibilities
  • © 2019 St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
  • All rights reserved. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation serving the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region. Tax identification #610445850
Help Us Continue To Provide Quality Care
  • Donate
  • Human Resources
  • Physician Opportunities
  • Volunteer
Visit St. Elizabeth Physicians
Healthy
Headlines
  • Helping you live a better life.
  • View Health Tips
Social
About St. Elizabeth
About Us
Associate Log In
Associate Intranet
Careers
For Health Professionals
Foundation & Donations
Volunteers
Resources
CareGram
Find a Location
Find a Provider
Frequently Called Numbers
MyChart Login
Pay My Bill
Legal
Disclaimer/HIPAA
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Human Resources
© 2022 St. Elizabeth Healthcare. All rights reserved. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation serving the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region. Tax identification #610445850