Intake of omega-3-fatty acids may help lessen age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of blindness and poor vision in the elderly, a new study has said.

AMD has an effect on macula, which is a part in the eye responsible for central vision. AMD is mainly seen in patients older than 60 years.

A report published in the British Journal of ‘Ophthalmology’ said that adding up omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, to a diet can ward off AMD risk.

The findings of the study are based on an analysis of data from 2924 people who participated in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) conducted by researchers at Tufts University, Boston.

The study participants were randomly assigned to have one of four dietary supplement groups: placebo, antioxidants, zinc, or antioxidants plus zinc.

Dr. C-J. Chiu, from Tufts University, Boston, and fellow workers explained that as part of AREDS, the partakers were asked to complete food frequency questionnaires in the starting.

The researchers also said that the participants also went through general and ophthalmologic physical examinations periodically.

The study researchers discovered that irrespective of which supplement was given, higher amounts of omega fatty acids lowered the risk of progression to advanced macular degeneration.

Moreover, a lower dietary glycemic index correlated with a 24% reduced risk of progression.

“The present study adds additional support to the idea that diet and, if necessary, supplementation can be optimized for the prevention of acute macular degeneration,” the researchers concluded.