Increased intakes of omega-3 fats may reduce the risk of developing age-related blindness by 30 percent.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over 55. It is a degenerative retinal disease that causes central vision loss and leaves only peripheral vision. 25 to 30 million people worldwide are affected by AMD.
There are two types of AMD -- wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels grow abnormally beneath the macular. Dry AMD occurs when normal tissue in the macula slowly disappears.
Increased intakes of omega-3 fats may reduce the risk of both wet and dry AMD by 35 and 32 percent, respectively.