National Eye Health Week 2024

It's National Eye Health Week 2024 (23 - 29 September)! A whole week once a year, where charities, businesses and scientists alike advocate the importance of eye health and the ways we can preserve our sight. 

This year, some of Sight Research UK's researchers shared their findings on the relationship between nutrition and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with Vista Magazine, the official magazine for National Eye Health Week. Below, read the full story from scientists Arjuna, Anna and Andrew.

Top scientists at the University of Southampton, funded by Sight Research UK, weigh in on the link between nutrition and age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the biggest cause of irreversible blindness amongst adults in the UK. It’s a complex condition in which age, genetic and lifestyle risk factors play a part – and that includes what we eat. Studies show that a ‘Western-style’ diet, low in fibre and high in fats, sugar and refined foods, can contribute to AMD. “Your chances of developing AMD can therefore be significantly higher if you consume an unhealthy diet,” explains Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka from the University of Southampton.

One study showed that the odds of developing AMD can be as high as 60 per cent in those with poor nutrition. An overindulgence of ‘Western-style’ foods can trigger retinal imbalances in the eye. This build-up of fats, such as cholesterol, can result in an accumulation of yellow/white spots or deposits (known as drusen) under the retina. An unhealthy diet can even damage our DNA. Regularly consuming foods high in refined fats and sugars generates unstable molecules called free radicals, which increase the risk of inflammation in the eye and can lead to the death of retinal pigment epithelial cells. These look after our light sensing photoreceptors. “The death of photoreceptors is irreversible,” explains PhD student Anna Muir. “When photoreceptors in the macula die, it can lead to AMD.” 

So, what should we eat when it comes to our eye health?

Taste a rainbow

Research shows that a healthy, balanced diet significantly lowers our risk of developing AMD. People should opt for eating a wide range of colourful fruits and vegetables – these are a rich source of carotenoids, the plant pigments that give them their vibrant colours. “Evidence shows that the intake of more carotenoids is linked with lower risk of AMD,” according to Professor of Ophthalmology, Andrew Lotery.

Two carotenoids, called lutein and zeaxanthin, are of particular importance, as they protect against free radical damage and potentially protect our eyes from harmful blue light. As we cannot make carotenoids within our bodies, we are solely reliant on a healthy diet for their regular supply. 

Carotenoid cuisine

Diets such as those typified by Mediterranean or ‘Oriental-style’ foods have been shown to reduce the odds of developing AMD. “Such diets consist of a high proportion of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil, plus lean meats and fish,” explains Anna. “Eating dark green leafy vegetables and yellow-pigmented fruits may help to slow the progression of diseases like AMD,” adds Anna. In addition, studies show that lightly frying certain vegetables can increase the availability of their carotenoids.

Provisions and vision

Research also shows that AMD patients are not always aware of the benefits of a healthier diet. For example, studies show that only 53 per cent of individuals at risk of AMD receive any advice on the importance of diet from eye care professionals. Andrew, Anna and Arjuna hope that through their research, they can gain further insights into this critical link between diet and AMD, and how better nutrition can help those at risk. Sight Research UK funds this sight-saving research and many projects like it, in the hope of finding better diagnostic tools, treatments and even cures for eye disease.