There are two main forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration, also called atrophic macular degeneration, involves the buildup of pigment deposits in the macula and is not associated with scarring, bleeding, or fluid leakage. Wet macular degeneration involves leakage of fluid (exudate) beneath the retina, often accompanied by small hemorrhages. Over time, this leaked material can form a mound that eventually contracts and leaves scar tissue, leading to more rapid vision loss.
Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology (2009; 127(11):1483–1493) examined dietary factors and the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study found that higher total fat intake was associated with an increased risk of AMD. Somewhat unexpectedly, the researchers also reported a higher incidence of AMD among participants who used omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid supplements. The authors noted that these findings were observational and highlighted the complexity of dietary fat patterns, supplement use, and AMD risk.
