Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on Progression of Dry Form of Age-related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of the Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) on the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients with early or intermediate stages of dry AMD.

Patients and methods: The present study included 164 patients with early or intermediate dry AMD. Data collected included demographics, anthropometric data, ophthalmic and medical history. AMD progression was evaluated using patients' optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual acuity. Using the MedDietScore, sample's attachment to Med Diet was evaluated, and distinguished into high and low. The association of supplement intake and adherence to Med Diet with AMD progression was investigated using logistic regression.

Results: Sample's mean age was 73±7.4 years. A positive correlation was found between dietary supplementation and slowing of AMD progression, as well as between high adherence to Med Diet and slowing of AMD progression. In contrast, smokers had 51.4% higher risk of AMD progression (p=0.043). The rate of slowing AMD progression was higher in patients who followed Med Diet and received a dietary supplement, compared to patients who followed one or none of the aforementioned recommendations (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Adherence to the Med Diet could have a positive effect on delaying AMD progression in advanced stages, both in patients receiving or not antioxidants. Therefore, our study proposes to strengthen recommendations to AMD patients to follow a Med Diet.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet; age-related macular degeneration (AMD); dietary supplement; dry AMD; lutein; zeaxanthin.