Recent research from the Women’s Health Study of over 1,000 people followed for 10 years indicates that eating a diet high in rapidly absorbed carbohydrates (high glycemic index) is associated with a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older Americans.

The women with the highest glycemic index diets (top 1/3) were 2.7 times more likely to develop AMD than those eating the lowest glycemic index diet (bottom 1/3).  The total amount of carbohydrate intake was not linked to an increased risk; this indicates that the type of carbohydrate consumed is more important than the total amount.  In fact, the researchers concluded that the dietary glycemic index might be considered to be an independent risk factor for AMD.

AMD currently affects 1 out of every 10 elderly Americans.  It is estimated that the number of AMD cases will increase by 50% in the next 20 years as the number of elderly Americans increases and will affect nearly 3 million people. 

Because there is not an effective remedy for AMD, prevention is the best approach to addressing this serious condition.  It appears that making dietary changes is one of the best and least expensive strategies. 

With no real effective therapy for AMD, prevention remains the best approach for addressing this serious health problem, and dietary modifications appears to be one of the best and least costly strategies.

High Glycemic Index Foods:

• White bread;
• White rice;
• Sweetened soft drinks;
• French fries;
• Pastry;
• Chips;
• Sugar;
• Other refined carbohydrate foods.

Low Glycemic Index Foods:

• Steel cut oats;
• Soy;
• Legumes;
• Sprouted wheat bread;
• Most fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Milk

Multiple studies have concluded that dark green leafy vegetables and orange fruits are not only high in antioxidants but are also protective against AMD.  Some additional protective antioxidants include zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

The National Eye Institute recommends eating a low saturated fat diet and high in green leafy vegetables and fish, maintaining a healthy weight, maintain a healthy blood pressure, exercising, and not smoking as protective steps for preventing AMD.

Sources:  Chiu, Willett, et al. (April 2006). Dietary glycemic index and carbohydrate in relation to early age-related macular degeneration. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 83:880-86; National Eye Institute, Age-related Macular Degeneration (www.nei.nih.gov).