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Mediterranean diet as a modifiable risk factor for age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review and
Maria Angelia1, Yufilia Suci Amelia1, Kevin Gracia Pratama1
1School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya University Catholic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Objectives:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and degenerative disease of the retina that leads to irreversible blindness. There is no proven effective treatment for early AMD and advanced AMD. Mediterranean diet (MD) has been linked to reducing the risk or delaying the progression of AMD. Therefore, in this study, we aim to investigate the potential of MD as a modifiable risk factor for AMD.
Materials And Methods:
A systematic search was performed in three databases: PubMed, EBSCO host, and Proquest. We search for studies that determine the association of MD in AMD. Then, we pooled the data for meta-analysis.
Results:
Eight studies were included in our systematic review. Seven studies were included for meta-analysis. Subjects with medium-high (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.90) adherence to the MD showed a reduced risk of developing AMD. Moreover, medium adherence AMD shows a significant and inverse relationship with the progression to advanced AMD (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81-0.93). Although it is still inconsistent, the reduction appears stronger for geographic atrophy than for neovascular AMD.
Conclusion:
Adhering to the MD, particularly at a medium to high level, appears to confer a protective effect against AMD. The sub-analysis demonstrates even that there is a protective effect associated with moderate adherence against advanced AMD. The presence of considerable heterogeneity within the results warrants cautious interpretation. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding.
Insights
Adhering to the Mediterranean diet (MD) may reduce the risk and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Moderate to high adherence shows a protective effect, particularly against advanced AMD.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nutrition Science
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Current treatments for early and advanced AMD are limited.
- The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with reduced AMD risk and delayed progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of the Mediterranean diet (MD) as a modifiable risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across PubMed, EBSCO host, and Proquest.
- Meta-analysis of seven included studies to determine the association between MD and AMD.
- Inclusion of eight studies in the overall systematic review.
Main Results:
- Medium-high adherence to the MD was associated with a reduced risk of developing AMD (HR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.75-0.90).
- Moderate adherence to the MD showed a significant inverse relationship with AMD progression (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81-0.93).
- The protective effect appeared stronger for geographic atrophy than neovascular AMD, though results were inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to the MD, especially at medium to high levels, offers a protective effect against AMD.
- Moderate adherence is linked to protection against advanced AMD.
- Heterogeneity in results necessitates cautious interpretation and further research.
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