AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. A recent research showed that low blood levels of antioxidants along with sunlight exposure increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD in older adults.

Dr. Astrid Fletcher, a professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in the UK analyzed the data collected from 4,753 adults ages 65 and up, roughly half of whom had AMD.  

Researchers interviewed the study subjects about their lifetime sunlight exposure and had photographs taken of their retinas to detect AMD. Blood samples of the study subjects were measured for antioxidant concentrations.

Analysis of data showed that in one-quarter of study participants with the lowest total antioxidant levels, the risk of AMD rose with their long-term exposure to blue light from the sun. 

The study showed that study subjects with the lowest levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and zeaxanthin combined were vulnerable to blue light exposure. It also showed that for every unit increase in blue light exposure, their risk of AMD climbed by 40 percent. 

Dr. Astrid Fletcher said that lab research indicates that antioxidants like vitamins C and E, zinc and lutein are important in protecting the retina from the toxic effects of light, so it is biologically plausible that the combination of high sun exposure and low antioxidant levels contributes to AMD risk.  

Researchers added that older and middle-aged adults should add antioxidant-rich foods to their diets. They also recommended wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses while going out in sun.