A 2007 study reported in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is caused by high-glycemic (sugary) foods. The study involved 4100 older adults who reports their consumption of ninety foods and had regular eye exams. The study found that high glycemic index foods produced a 49% increase in the rate of advanced macular degeneration. The doctors estimated that 20% of the people with AMD could have avoided it if they had eaten a diet that was below the median glycemic index.
This is new information. Before this study, there wasn’t any research that suggested a cause for this disease that affects 13 million Americans.
The macula is an area of vision receptors in the back of the eyeball. If one thinks of the eye as a camera, the macula is the film or the CCD of a digital camera. AMD has two different types depending on the changes to the macula.
There is no cure. Prevention is the key; a proper diet that includes antioxidants is probably the most important factor. Early diagnosis can lead to treatment that can slow the rate of vision loss.
The glycemic index doesn’t measure how much sugar is in a food, it measures how quickly that sugar gets into the blood. It’s best to consult a Glycemic Index Chart to get a sense of which foods are best. Try to stay below 60 for a healthier life with less chance of diabetes or AMD.
This is new information. Before this study, there wasn’t any research that suggested a cause for this disease that affects 13 million Americans.
Types of Age-related Macular Degeneration
The macula is an area of vision receptors in the back of the eyeball. If one thinks of the eye as a camera, the macula is the film or the CCD of a digital camera. AMD has two different types depending on the changes to the macula.
- Wet AMD is caused by blood vessels behind the macula leaking blood and fluid which pushes the macula out of place. An early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. If you find you have this symptom, see an eye professional at once.
- Dry AMD is caused by changes to the front surface of the macula as the light-sensitive cells break down gradually, starting with a little fuzziness in the center of vision and gradually growing larger and more opaque.
Cures for AMD
There is no cure. Prevention is the key; a proper diet that includes antioxidants is probably the most important factor. Early diagnosis can lead to treatment that can slow the rate of vision loss.
What Foods Have a Low Glycemic Index?
The glycemic index doesn’t measure how much sugar is in a food, it measures how quickly that sugar gets into the blood. It’s best to consult a Glycemic Index Chart to get a sense of which foods are best. Try to stay below 60 for a healthier life with less chance of diabetes or AMD.
