An Australian study reports an increased risk for developing macular degeneration (ARMD) in persons that eat red meat at least 10 times per week. Those that ate chicken were not found to have a higher risk.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, eating red meat 10 times per week, compared to eating less than 4.5 times per week increased the chance of developing early ARMD. Patients that eat chicken had a decreased chance of developing early macular degeneration. Eating fish had no effect. Eating red meat did not increase the chance of developing late ARMD, but eating chicken at least 3.5 times/week did decrease the chance of developing late macular degeneration.
What does this mean to you? At the very least this underscores the possibility that environmental factors and diet have significant influence on your eyes. There are too many variables and possible causes of macular degeneration to say for sure.
Article: Am J Epidemiol. 2009;169:867-876
Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Retina Specialist
www.TotalRetina.com
