Happily, yet another analysis of the AREDS data (Age Related Eye Disease Study) indicates that eating more fish may reduce the progression of macular degeneration.  Eating one serving per week of cold water, fatty fish may reduce the risk of progression of ARMD by as much as 25%.  Fatty fish include such fish as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, herring  and shellfish.

Two compounds may be linked to retarding the progression;  docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), both found in cold water, fatty fish.  Researchers culled the AREDS data for qualifying patients (i.e. patients that ate cold water fish upon entry to the AREDS study).  Their eye disease was then followed.  Over 5000 eyes were followed!

What does this mean? As I have said before, there are going to be lots of these “studies” due to the recent “opening” of the data from the AREDS study.  While nothing has been proven, keep an open mind.  This is one of the largest groups ever studied for eye disease.

Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Retinal Specialist
www.TotalRetina.com