Diet With Low Glycemic Index Slows AMD Progression

People whose diet consists of foods that lead to a high dietary glycemic index have a substantially higher risk of progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to recent long-term results from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). In fact, consumption of highly refined carbohydrates can lead to up to a 17% increased risk of AMD progression, according to data presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Vision and Research in Ophthalmology (ARVO). This newest set of results from AREDS confirms findings from earlier years, but shows that the effect of diet on AMD is even stronger than previously thought.

The findings are important because they show that keeping your glycemic low by dietary means can reduce the risk of AMD progression, Dr Chiu said. The researchers estimate that reducing the dietary glycemic index for the upper 50% of the older population might eliminate more than 100,000 new cases of advanced AMD in 5 years in the US alone.

Bonnie - as long as you stick to fruits, vegetables, and moderate whole grains, you'll be fine!