Mediterranean diet : A healthy and balanced diet that promotes better eye health

A Mediterranean-inspired diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish, with less dairy and red meat, may lower the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies from Europe and Portugal suggest that a diet rich in these foods may prevent AMD from worsening or reduce the risk of developing it.

The Mediterranean diet consists of:

• A dinner plate with salmon, salad, and avocado,
• Leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains,
• Fish, and olive or canola oil.
• It includes leafy greens like spinach, fruits like apples, nuts, whole grains, fish, and olive or canola oil instead of butter.

Researchers found that individuals who consumed more vegetables, legumes, fish, cereals, and fruits, particularly fruits, had lower rates of macular degeneration, with a 15% reduction in AMD risk when they consumed at least 150 grams per day.

AMD patients tend to consume fast food, dairy products, and meat more than non-AMD patients. Certain vitamin and mineral supplements may lower AMD risk. Studies also suggest that certain foods may prevent vision loss from macular degeneration, highlighting the potential vision-saving benefits of healthy daily eating habits.