Eye disease: How one fruit could prevent common cause of sight loss – AN EYE DISEASE, known as macular degeneration, is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK, with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affecting at least 600,000 people across the nation. Leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to maintain good eye health – and there is one small berry which could help.
Age-related macular degeneration can be slowed down, or even stopped if caught early enough. While a healthy diet and regular eye checks are one way to preserve your eyesight, there are a few natural foods which have proven incredibly effective. New evidence has shown a promising link between goji berries and AMD – but why are they effective?
Age-related macular degeneration affects 196 million people across the globe and is most common in people aged 50 and above.
Eye disease: How one fruit could prevent common cause of sight loss
According to the Macular Society, figures published in 2016 project that cases could more than double by 2050 – rising to 1.3 million per year.
While the exact cause of AMD is unknown, it has been linked to smoking, high blood pressure and being overweight – all of which can be easily prevented.
Goji berries have been known to have several health benefits – but how can they slow down the progression of AMD?
How to prevent age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the retina becomes damaged, causing blurred vision or, in some cases, a complete loss of vision in the centre of your visual field.
Sharon Copeland, Optician at Feel Good Contacts said: “Regular sight tests will help to keep your eyes healthy; you should have a sight test every two years (or more often if recommended by your optician/GP).
“Certain health and lifestyle factors can contribute to your risk of developing AMD.”
This progressive condition can be prevented through a combination of easy lifestyle adjustments including:
- Wearing sunglasses while exposed to the sun
- Not smoking
- Keeping on top of eye appointments with your optician
- Regularly eating goji berries
Eye disease: Macular degeneration is a progressive disease which is common in older people (Image: GETTY)
Why are goji berries beneficial for eye health?
Goji berries are believed to aid eyesight because they contain high levels of healthy antioxidants, particularly zeaxanthin.
A randomised trial published in the Nutrients journal found: “Regularly eating a small serving of dried goji berries may help prevent, or delay the development of age-related macular degeneration in healthy middle-aged people.”
The same study also found even just a small serving of these little red berries could increase protective pigments in the eye.
An earlier study reported in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy showed goji berries protect the retina from the ganglion cells responsible for glaucoma – a condition that can lead to low vision.
Goji berries are not the only superfood when it comes to improving your eye health.
Ms Copeland said: “Eating a varied diet rich in dark leafy greens, oily fish (or fish oil supplements), and orange foods such as carrots and oranges will all contribute to keeping your eyes healthy and preventing disease.”
According to the medically accredited website, Healthline, the main antioxidants which are known to improve eye health include:
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Vitamins A, C, E
- Beta-carotene
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zinc
