eyeThe macula is the central and most vital part of the retina. Macular degeneration is a condition where this area degenerates, resulting in diminishing and even loss of sight. The condition tends to run in families. Macular degeneration can slowly or suddenly produce loss of vision. It is painless. It affects more than 10 million Americans. It is an incurable eye disease and that it is the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older. As people age the chances for developing eye diseases increase dramatically.

There are two forms of macular degeneration, wet and dry. In dry macular degeneration (also called atrophic), a pigment is deposited in the macula; there is no indication of scaring, bleeding or other damage. In wet macular degeneration, an exudate is formed (leaked material) and forms a mound which is often surrounded by small hemorrhages. Eventually, the mound contracts and leaves a scar.

Recent research appearing in the Archives of Ophthamology (2009; 127(11): 1483-93) found that high fat consumption was associated with higher levels of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study even found a higher incidence of AMD in people who took omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid supplements.