Older people 'most affected by eye diseases'

Eye diseases mainly affect older people, one expert has said, suggesting that people wanting to find a care home should pay particular attention to their optical health.

Cathy Yelf, head of external relations at the Macular Disease (MD) Society said that age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of loss of sight in the west. She pointed out that more than half a million people in the UK have experienced sight loss
due to MD.

"Studies have shown that people who have a poor diet, low in anti-oxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, have more chance of developing eye disease including MD," continued Ms Yelf.

Additionally, other nutrients such as Vitamin D possibly have a role in eye health, explained the expert, with what is good for general health also being good for eyes.

Meanwhile, research from the University of Buffalo in New York found that females under the age of 75 were less likely to have early age-related MD if they exhibited a high vitamin D status.
 
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