Facts about macular degeneration you may not know

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly, affecting one out of three people over the age of 75. The disease impairs the macula, the central part of the retina that is important for clear, sharp vision.

As macular degeneration progresses, blank spots gradually appear in the central field of vision. Approximately 90% of macular degeneration sufferers have the "dry" form; the more serious "wet" form accounts for the remainder of macular degeneration cases.

• Experts believe that harmful free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules — cause damage to the retina, leading to macular degeneration.
• It's thought that age-related changes and genetics contribute to the condition as well.
• Sunlight exposure, pollution, cigarette smoke and a high-fat diet can increase the amount of destructive free radicals in the eye.
• Having cardiovascular disease or diabetes may elevate the risk for the disease as well by restricting blood flow to the eye.

Some of the recent research into macular degeneration includes one large observational study of men and women between the ages of 55 and 80 that found that participants who consumed the most carotenoids in their diets had about a 40% lower risk for macular degeneration. The effect was particularly strong in people who ate the most spinach and collard greens.

• Lutein and zeaxanthin. These caroten­oids abundant in vegetable pigments, are highly concentrated in macular pigment and in the retina. Studies link diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin with a reduced risk for macular degeneration, and the progression of the disease may even be slowed by this pair. Consumption of dark green, carotenoid-rich, leafy vegetables, particularly spinach and collard greens, has been associated with a reduced risk for macular degeneration, suggesting that carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin (as well as beta-carotene) are protective agents.
• Lycopene. Another carotenoid, lycopene, may protect against macular degeneration because its unique structure and biochemistry make it especially adept at combating harmful oxidative damage. Preliminary human studies have found that low levels of lycopene are associated with an elevated risk for macular degeneration.
• Vitamins and minerals. Scientists believe that a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc, may also defend against macular degeneration by scavenging free radicals in the retina. Vitamin C is particularly concentrated in the eye. Evidence is accumulating that these nutrients are essential for eye health, and deficiencies may increase the risk for macular degeneration.

If you’d like to add more carotenoids to your diet, foods to eat include: carrots, spinach, winter squash, collard greens, peppers, spinach, sweet potatoes, apricots, tomatoes, watermelon, barley, Brazil nuts, poultry, shrimp, berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, avocado, nuts, olive oil, beans, shellfish, whole grains.