Olive oil remedy reduce risk of old age blindness

Half a million Australians are being affected with early symptoms of blindness in old age, according to a recent research conducted by A Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA).

Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is a progressive disease affecting the central

area of the retina called the macula which causes blindness in old age.  

Report author Dr Elaine Chong said olive oil contains a number of protective elements that contribute to eye health. 

"Olive oil is rich in powerful antioxidants like vitamin E. It also contains an anti-inflammatory component, similar to ibuprofen, which helps protect the blood vessels in the eye," said Dr Chong. 

The study also found that people who eat other foods rich in omega-3 fatty-acids, such as fish and nuts, are 15 per cent less likely to develop early AMD.

"This study establishes a link between the intake of both good and bad fats, and the implications for AMD development." 

According to CERA, with limited treatment options for AMD, researchers say a better understanding of the modifiable risk factors associated with AMD could significantly reduce vision loss from the disease. 

"Established risk factors for AMD include age, genetics and smoking, with smoking being the only consistently reported modifiable risk factor," said report author, Dr Elaine Chong.

To conduct the study, researchers analysed the diet of more than 6,700 people aged 58 to 69 years old in the early 1990s. 

Participants were then tracked for the development of AMD between 2003 and 2006. During this period, 2,872 cases of early AMD and 88 cases of late AMD developed.