Go to our Partner website
Language: English (€)
Go to homepage
€0.00
Go to homepage

16/04/2024

Macular degeneration: Nutrients for keeping your eyes in tip-top shape


Vision loss and nutrition may not usually be the go-to topics, however this blog focuses on the ins and outs of why eyesight might deteriorate. 

Most importantly, we tell you how you can help save the quality of your vision over time, with specific nutrition! 

Deterioration in eye health happens due to multiple factors, and there are many ways to protect them such as correct lighting, limiting screentime and avoiding environmental pollution. On top of this, the food you eat and the supplements you take impact this protection. 


What is macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects your central vision, by blurring it. 

It occurs as the part of your eye responsible for detailed, direct vision, known as the macula, becomes damaged with age. 

The macula is located in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. However, it is possible to slow this progression. It has been proven that macular degeneration is also more likely to occur in those who are light-coloured in their irises. 


Dry eye syndrome 

Dry eye syndrome causes daily discomfort and can increase the risk of infection and damage to the eye surface. Eye drops donate help long-term. Only real tears can fully nourish and protect the eyes. 

Scientists have discovered that maqui berry extract, taken orally, dramatically boosts the body's natural tear production. In a pilot study, this extract provided a 72% improvement in dry eye symptoms in just two months. 

A controlled clinical trial confirmed that it boosted tear production by 89% and reduced eye discomfort and eye fatigue in a matter of weeks. 

Deterioration rates are rising 

Increased use of digital devices like smartphones and computers, which reduce blinking and speed up tear evaporation, may contribute to more frequent dry eye symptoms (1).

Factors like these can lead to dry eyes:

  • Environmental pollution
  • Certain medications
  • Wearing contact lenses
  • Surgeries like cataracts or laser eye surgery
  • Air conditioning
  • Hormonal changes
  • Nutritional deficits (such as vitamin A deficiency)(2)

Eye drops often fail to provide adequate relief or address the underlying causes, as they can't fully mimic the natural composition of tears. 


Nutrients that can improve eye health 

Some nutrients to improve eye health are:  

Some of these and others are expanded upon in this blog post.

Cyanidin-3-glucoside 

Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), a flavonoid found in certain dark-coloured berries, (2,4) can help enhance night vision. It shows promise in protecting corneal and retinal cells against bacterial damage, inflammation (5), and oxidative stress according to recent research (6). 

It is particularly beneficial for those already suffering from macular degeneration, commonly experiencing night vision difficulties (7). C3G enhances rhodopsin, a protein crucial for vision in low light(6), improving its function and regeneration (4,9-11). 

A study found that a berry extract with C3G notably improved night vision in healthy volunteers within 30 minutes (8). When combined with other nutrients, C3G could offer comprehensive protection against age-related vision loss. 

Carotenoids 

Haven't we all heard that eating carrots allows us to see in the dark? Well, there is truth to this myth, it does aid vision; and macular health. Studies have found that people with higher retinal carotenoid levels have lower rates of macular degeneration (9,10). 

Further, omega-3 fatty acids are not the only nutrients that help protect against eye diseases. Plant pigments like lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, which accumulate in the retina's outer membrane, not only support the macula's structure but also protect the eyes from damaging light wavelengths. 

Specifically, a high intake of lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration by 41% (11). 

Moreover, saffron is beneficial in preventing early stages of macular degeneration, and alpha-carotene helps guard against the advanced stages. As mentioned above, the flavonoid cyanidin-3-glucoside has been shown to improve night vision in just 30 minutes. 

Together, these seven nutrients offer comprehensive protection for vision. 

Omega 3 

Various epidemiological studies have indicated that individuals who ingest the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids have the lowest risk of macular degeneration (12,13-18).

Observational studies suggest that increasing dietary omega-3 may slow the disease's progression (19,20). In 2021 and 2022, two significant meta-analyses were published. 

The first synthesized data from 21 clinical studies involving over 190,000 people to investigate if omega-3 from fish oil correlates with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (19).

This analysis revealed that high consumption of fish oils was associated with a 14% reduced risk of early-stage macular degeneration and a 29% lower risk of late-stage, more severe forms. 

Additional findings showed that each extra 1,000 mg of omega-3 per day decreased the risk of early-stage macular degeneration by 6% and late-stage by 22% (19). 

The studies also found protective effects in both DHA and EPA, the primary fatty acids in fish oil, especially in those with the highest intake (19).


Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) comes in two types (21)

1. Dry AMD: 

This is the most common form, known as atrophic AMD. It involves the thinning of the macula, which is part of the retina, as you age. 

Dry AMD progresses through three stages: early, intermediate, and late. The progression is typically slow, taking place over several years. In the late stage of dry AMD, no medical treatments are currently available. 

2. Wet AMD: 

This is the less common type but is more severe, known as advanced neovascular AMD. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, damaging the macula. 

Wet AMD can develop from any stage of dry AMD and usually leads to faster loss of vision. Unlike dry AMD, there are medical treatments available for wet AMD. 

Omega 3 helps 'Wet' AMD 

A 2022 meta-analysis focused on patients with the more severe wet form of age-related macular degeneration. It reviewed data from five studies conducted in Japan, the United States, and Europe, involving over 12,000 patients (23).

The results indicated that high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil significantly lowered the risk of this aggressive type of macular degeneration. Patients with the highest omega-3 intake experienced a remarkable 49% reduction in risk compared to those with the lowest intake (24).

The study also differentiated the effects of DHA and EPA, two types of omega-3s, finding that high levels of DHA led to a 39% lower risk of developing wet macular degeneration, while high EPA intake was associated with a 32% lower risk.

This evidence supports the protective benefits of fish oil against all forms of age-related macular degeneration, highlighting its role in maintaining eye health. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50, and increasing omega-3 intake is a preventive strategy supported by extensive research. 

Saffron 

Clinical studies show that saffron, derived from the crocus flower, improves vision in various eye conditions (26) like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy (27,28).

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, saffron helps preserve vision by preventing cell death (29).

In one clinical study, patients with mild to moderate age-related macular degeneration took 20 mg of saffron daily and showed improved visual function, even more so when combined with lutein and zeaxanthin.

Another study reported that saffron enhanced the light-sensing ability of retinal cells, with patients able to read an additional line on an eye chart after three months (30,31). 

Long-term use (around 14 months) of 20 mg daily not only sustained but increased retinal sensitivity and significantly improved visual acuity (32). 

Meso-zeaxanthin 

Meso-zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid produced from lutein in the eye and is also found in small amounts in certain foods (33). Individuals with macular degeneration typically have 30% less meso-zeaxanthin in their macula compared to those with healthy eyes (35). 

This deficiency might be due to insufficient dietary lutein or an inability to convert lutein to meso-zeaxanthin effectively. Supplementing with meso-zeaxanthin can help increase protective macular pigment levels (35). 

Astaxanthin 

Astaxanthin, a reddish carotenoid found in marine algae and some seafood (36,37), protects retinal cells from physical and oxidative stress in preclinical studies (36-38). 

It helps shield eye cells from UV damage and inflammation by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) (39). Experimental research shows astaxanthin can prevent damage from conditions like wet macular degeneration and glaucoma (40).

It is particularly beneficial for diabetic retinopathy, a common condition (36) in long-term diabetics, by preventing nerve-cell death in the retina caused by high blood sugar (36). Studies suggest that taking 6 mg of astaxanthin daily can enhance visual sharpness and overall eye health (41). 

Maqui berry 

Natural tears consist of three layers: an outer oily layer that prevents evaporation, a middle watery layer that moistens and nourishes the cornea, and an inner mucus layer that keeps tears attached to the eye. These layers are crucial for the health of the cornea and conjunctiva. 

To combat dry eye syndrome, scientists have been exploring methods to enhance the body's production of these essential tears. 

Researchers discovered that maqui berry extract, from a fruit native to Chile and Argentina, enhances natural tear production when consumed (42,43). This provides quick and sustained relief for dry, irritated eyes, helping to prevent long-term damage.  

Maqui berries contain delphinidins, bioactive pigments that protect eye structures like the tear-producing lacrimal gland by reducing free radicals, shielding cells from light damage, and restoring natural tear production. 


Read more


References 

  1. Al-Mohtaseb Z, Schachter S, Shen Lee B, et al. The Relationship Between Dry Eye Disease and Digital Screen Use. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021;15:3811-20. 
  2. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/dry-eye-disease. Accessed December 13, 2021. 
  3. Tremblay F, Waterhouse J, Nason J, et al. Prophylactic neuroprotection by blueberry-enriched diet in a rat model of light-induced retinopathy. J Nutr Biochem. 2013 Apr;24(4):647-55. 
  4. Lee SH, Jeong E, Paik SS, et al. Cyanidin-3-glucoside extracted from mulberry fruit can reduce N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced retinal degeneration in rats. Curr Eye Res. 2014 Jan;39(1):79-87. 
  5. Li X, Sun M, Long Y. Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells by Inducing Let-7b-5p-Mediated HMGA2/PI3K/Akt Pathway. Inflammation. 2020 Jun;43(3):1088-96. 
  6. Pawlowska E, Szczepanska J, Koskela A, et al. Dietary Polyphenols in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Protection against Oxidative Stress and Beyond Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019;2019:9682318. 
  7. Ying GS, Maguire MG, Liu C, et al. Night vision symptoms and progression of age-related macular degeneration in the Complications of Age-related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial. Ophthalmology. 2008 Nov;115(11):1876-82. 
  8. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10850/. Accessed June 29, 2021. 
  9. Matsumoto H, Nakamura Y, Tachibanaki S, et al. Stimulatory effect of cyanidin 3-glycosides on the regeneration of rhodopsin. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jun 4;51(12):3560-3. 
  10. Tirupula KC, Balem F, Yanamala N, et al. pH-dependent interaction of rhodopsin with cyanidin-3-glucoside. 2. Functional aspects. Photochem Photobiol. 2009 Mar-Apr;85(2):463-70. 
  11. Yanamala N, Tirupula KC, Balem F, et al. pH-dependent interaction of rhodopsin with cyanidin-3-glucoside. 1. Structural aspects. Photochem Photobiol. 2009 Mar-Apr;85(2):454-62. 
  12. Nakaishi H, Matsumoto H, Tominaga S, et al. Effects of black current anthocyanoside intake on dark adaptation and VDT work-induced transient refractive alteration in healthy humans. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Dec;5(6):553-62. 
  13. Agron E, Mares J, Clemons TE, et al. Dietary Nutrient Intake and Progression to Late Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2. Ophthalmology.2021Mar;128(3):425-42. 
  14. Lem DW, Davey PG, Gierhart DL, et al. A Systematic Review of Carotenoids in the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021Aug 5;10(8). 
  15. Wu J, Cho E, Willett WC, et al. Intakes of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Other Carotenoids and Age-Related Macular Degeneration During 2 Decades of Prospective Follow-up. JAMA Ophthalmol.2015Dec;133(12):1415-24. 
  16. Souied EH, Aslam T, Garcia-Layana A, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmic Research.2015;55(2):62-9. 
  17. Chong EW, Robman LD, Simpson JA, et al. Fat consumption and its association with age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009May;127(5):674-80. 
  18. Chua B, Flood V, Rochtchina E, et al. Dietary fatty acids and the 5-year incidence of age-related maculopathy. Arch Ophthalmol.2006Jul;124(7):981-6. 
  19. SanGiovanni JP, Chew EY, Agron E, et al. The relationship of dietary omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake with incident age-related macular degeneration: AREDS report no. 23. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008Sep;126(9):1274-9. 
  20. Seddon JM, Rosner B, Sperduto RD, et al. Dietary fat and risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol.2001Aug;119(8):1191-9. 
  21. Tan JS, Wang JJ, Flood V, et al. Dietary fatty acids and the 10-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Arch Ophthalmol.2009May;127(5):656-65. 
  22. Christen WG, Schaumberg DA, Glynn RJ, et al. Dietary omega-3 fatty acid and fish intake and incident age-related macular degeneration in women. Arch Ophthalmol.2011Jul;129(7):921-9. 
  23. Jiang H, Shi X, Fan Y, et al. Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish intake and risk of age-related macular degeneration. Clin Nutr.2021Dec;40(12):5662-73. 
  24. Meng XT, Shi YY, Hong-Yan Z. Dietary omega-3 LCPUFA intake in the prevention of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Hosp.2022Aug 25;39(4):910-5. 
  25. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration. Accessed June 15, 2023. 
  26. Bosch-Morell F, Villagrasa V, Ortega T, et al. Medicinal plants and natural products as neuroprotective agents in age-related macular degeneration. Neural Regen Res. 2020 Dec;15(12):2207-16. 
  27. Fernandez-Albarral JA, de Hoz R, Ramirez AI, et al. Beneficial effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ocular pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative retinal diseases. Neural Regen Res. 2020 Aug;15(8):1408-16. 
  28. Sepahi S, Mohajeri SA, Hosseini SM, et al. Effects of Crocin on Diabetic Maculopathy: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial. Am J Ophthalmol. 2018 Jun;190:89-98. 
  29. Heitmar R, Brown J, Kyrou I. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Ocular Diseases: A Narrative Review of the Existing Evidence from Clinical Studies. Nutrients. 2019 Mar 18;11(3). 
  30. Broadhead GK, Grigg JR, McCluskey P, et al. Saffron therapy for the treatment of mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration: a randomised clinical trial. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2019 Jan;257(1):31-40. 
  31. Falsini B, Piccardi M, Minnella A, et al. Influence of saffron supplementation on retinal flicker sensitivity in early age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 Dec;51(12):6118-24. 
  32. Piccardi M, Marangoni D, Minnella AM, et al. A longitudinal follow-up study of saffron supplementation in early age-related macular degeneration: sustained benefits to central retinal function. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:429124. 
  33. Nolan JM, Meagher K, Kashani S, et al. What is meso-zeaxanthin, and where does it come from? Eye (Lond). 2013 Aug;27(8):899-905. 
  34. Available at: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6329432B2/en. Accessed June 29, 2021. 
  35. Bone RA, Landrum JT, Cao Y, et al. Macular pigment response to a supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2007 May 11;4:12. 
  36. Dong LY, Jin J, Lu G, et al. Astaxanthin attenuates the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in db/db mice by inhibition of oxidative stress. Mar Drugs. 2013 Mar 21;11(3):960-74. 
  37. Izumi-Nagai K, Nagai N, Ohgami K, et al. Inhibition of choroidal neovascularization with an anti-inflammatory carotenoid astaxanthin. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 Apr;49(4):1679-85. 
  38. Li Z, Dong X, Liu H, et al. Astaxanthin protects ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress via upregulation of Nrf2-regulated phase II enzymes through activation of PI3K/Akt. Mol Vis. 2013;19:1656-66. 
  39. Lennikov A, Kitaichi N, Fukase R, et al. Amelioration of ultraviolet-induced photokeratitis in mice treated with astaxanthin eye drops. Mol Vis. 2012;18:455-64. 
  40. Cort A, Ozturk N, Akpinar D, et al. Suppressive effect of astaxanthin on retinal injury induced by elevated intraocular pressure. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2010 Oct;58(1):121-30. 
  41. Kidd P. Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Dec;16(4):355-64.
  42. Nakamura S, Tanaka J, Imada T, et al. Delphinidin 3,5-O-diglucoside, a constituent of the maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) anthocyanin, restores tear secretion in a rat dry eye model. Journal of Functional Foods. 2014 9//;10:346-54.
  43. Hitoe S, Tanaka J, Shimoda H. MaquiBright standardized maqui berry extract significantly increases tear fluid production and ameliorates dry eye-related symptoms in a clinical pilot trial. Panminerva Med. 2014 Sep;56(3 Suppl 1):1-6.


Read more

This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience possible. More information...