High-sugar Foods Leading Cause of AMD Vision Loss

Food diets containing excessive amounts of sugar may not only affect a person's BMI (body mass index) and fitness. High-sugar foods have also been connected to a specific type of vision impairment, as a leading cause of age-related macular degeneration also known as AMD.

AMD is an eye condition that normally affects people late in life causing a deterioration of central vision. This condition is related to the macula of the eye, the part of the eye that controls vision focus and sharpness. The macula is located in the center of the eye's retina - a light sensitive tissue that converts lights into images and electric impulses to send to the brain for interpretation.

That high-sugary food diets is a contributing variable to age-related macular degeneration of the eye was furthermore proven in a nationwide study conducted by researchers Chung-Jung Chiu and Allen Taylor at Tufts University's Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.

The study included over 4,000 adults in the U.S between the ages 55-80. All participants had to document their dietary habits and test for AMD. Special attention was focused on foods such as sugary items and refined grains, ranking high in the glycemic index - foods that raise blood sugar levels.

And though the study did not entirely exclude other factors as a cause of AMD, foods that increase blood sugar levels showed a clear connection with cases of advanced AMD.The study goes on to list nutritious foods and diets that may help prevent AMD, including whole grains, antioxidants, vegetables and legumes - all also listed low in the glycemic index.

By keeping a diet rich of low-glycemic-index-ranking foods, a person's chances of avoiding AMD can hence be increased. And while the question exactly how and why high-sugary foods may cause this type of vision deterioration remains unanswered, the message is clear.

The connection exists and in order to maintain a healthy body, heart and eyesight, a low-sugar diet is a must. Regular eyesight check ups are also recommended. AMD is an eyesight condition that can be detected and treated at an early stage.

Written by Anders Wedin, Optician