Strange as it may sound some fats provide a protective effect for seniors against one of the enemies of our eyes. The good fats that protect eyes against age-related macular degeneration are the omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, fish, and olive oil. The bad fats that promote age-related macular degeneration are the well known enemies of general good health the trans fatty acids. In a recent study that included both women and men those who ate just one serving of fish per week lowered their risk of developing early macular degeneration by more than 30%. The results for those who consumed about two servings of nuts per week reduced their risk of developing early macular degeneration by more than 34%.
In another study those who had a high intake of trans fats showed a significant increase in developing late macular degeneration. By way of contrast moderate intake of olive oil provided protection against late macular degeneration. This good news for senior health, because it means seniors can take steps to protect their eyes against macular degeneration by making good choices in the fats that they consume.