I was going to reply to a post here on diet and macular degeneration but the post I as replying too seems to have disappeared and I can't find the Examiner article it was linking to. I first wanted to point out the article missed out the most important protective items for Age Related Macular Degeneration , Omega 3 and Vitamin D3.

HIGHER OMEGA 3 intakes is associated with less Macular degeneration.
while many of the readers here will be aware that it's the EPA + DHA numbers that need adding together from the fish oil label to work out how many capsules to take to get over 1.5g daily omega 3, many readers of the Examiner will not be so well informed.

This study provides evidence that vitamin D may protect against AMD. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Similarly regulars here will be aware the NATURAL level of 25(OH)D3 our DNA evolved to work best with is between 60~80ng/ml and that requires roughly 1000iu/daily/D3 for each 25lbs weight, I don't think this is yet common knowledge.

the advice provided about vitamins C and E, zinc, is confirmed here but beta carotene wasn't found helpful (for preventing macular degeneration) That study makes the point that a low-dietary glycemic index diet is helpful (glucose levels after eating rise slower and lower)
While the study was looking at vitamin C from diet those who find consuming the required amounts of fruit and veg difficult may want to substitute vitamin c from supplements and they need to be aware that as Vitamin C is water soluble it is quickly dissolved, absorbed and flushed away. It's half life in the body is measure in minutes. Therefore in order to benefit from taking vitamin C supplement avoid the effervescent kinds and use the time release, slow release, sustained release forms. These spread the time over which the vitamin C is released. 1.5g daily in one dose is 750mg in half an hour 375mg after an hour 185ish after 90mins and 90 mg after 2hrs roughly.
Whereas one 500mg time release taken ever 8 hrs would provide and even amount spread throughout the day and night.

Consumption of 4 egg yolks/d, and possibly of 2 egg yolks/d, for 5 wk benefited macular health in older adults with low MPOD. Serum HDL cholesterol increased without an increase in LDL cholesterol

As Usual Ted, great post. I would like to remind people that in the states at least you can get eggs (egglands best is one brand) that have high Omega 3 concentrations.

For any Canadians on the board, I was up in Canada one day in Nov. (To buy beer and chocolates ) and I bought a bottle of something called O3MEGA. 5 ml (1 teaspoon) has 1300 mg EPA + DHA. I just opened it last night and it tastes ok also. I am taking it and giving it to my dad. It will run out quick so I will make a niagara falls trip shortly for a few bottles (and canadian beer).

Hello Folks,

When I think of eye health, my mind goes to three things; Essential Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, and Distance Gazing.

The first part of a diet to heal or prevent macular degeneration is healthy oils. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a necessary part of eye health. Your body breaks oils down into fatty acids, much same way proteins are broken down into amino acids. These Fatty Acids are then carried throughout your body via the bloodstream to build cell walls. If the quality of the Fatty Acids are good, your body will build healthy cell walls. If the Fatty Acids are derived from McDonald's fries and doritos...well, the cell walls won't be that healthy.

My favorite sources of EFAs are hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and organic leafy green vegetables. All whole food sources. This ensures your body is getting the oils delivered in the way Nature intended. Isolated oils are hard for your body to digest. Eating raw, whole foods that contain EFAs gives your body the enzymes it's going to use to break down the oils. Nothing fancy, just following the way your body is designed.

Don't fuss with trying to get exact, measured amounts of EFAs. Simply make sure to eat EFA containing foods on a regular daily basis and your body will handle the rest. For the sake of simplicity, figure on eating a small handful of either hemp seeds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds daily. A mix would be ideal, to broaden the range of the EFAs and the other goodness in these wonderful and tasty foods.

As for the leafy greens, you should aim to eat at least a cup or two daily. Figure a cup to be about what you'd put into a good sized salad. Leafy greens are some of the healthiest foods in the world. They are nutrient rich, antioxidant rich, full of fiber, and loaded with blood building/blood cleansing chlorophyll. Leafy greens are also easy to digest. Chew them thoroughly to break down the fibers. If you cook them, add ginger, fennel seeds, or anise to help with digestion.

The second major component of eye health and preventing macular degeneration is antioxidants. These will help to prevent healthy cells in your eyes from being damaged by free radicals, unstable particles. Free radicals are characterized by having unpaired electrons. This makes them potentially damaging as they will seek out an electron from other places in your body to complete themselves. That's where antioxidants come in.

Antioxidants will provide that electron without the free radical taking it from an otherwise healthy cell. You should aim to eat seven or eight servings of antioxidant rich foods every day. A serving would be a small handful. My favorite antioxidant rich foods include berries, pineapple, citrus fruits, kiwi, cherries, pomegranate, dark grapes, prunes, kale, alfalfa sprouts, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kidney beans, pinto beans, lentils, spinach, garlic, and onions.

Quick note: when eating beans, be sure to chew thoroughly and flavor with ginger, anise seed, or fennel seeds. This will greatly aid digestion and prevent gas. Both your body and your friends will thank you.

Another great option for getting antioxidants is drinking herbal tea. Green, White, or Black tea (no milk or cream or it'll render the antioxidants inert), Rooibos (also known as Redbush), and Yerba Mate' are loaded with protective antioxidants. Each eight ounce cupful will provide a full serving.

The last natural remedy for macular degeneration is Distance Gazing. You use your eyes every day, all day, your entire life. The only break they get is when you are sleeping. It's worth it to treat them well. In our modern times, we have a tendency to look at things close-up a lot. We read, drive, surf the internet, and oftentimes even work looking at things that are relatively close. Most of us have experienced eye strain at one point in our lives. Much of this comes from staring intently at things within a few inches or feet of your eyes for extended periods of time.

Take time to gaze at far horizons. It's pleasant to look out over mountains or prairies. It's also enjoyable to stare at the stars, the moon, or over the ocean. This gives you an opportunity to strengthen your distance vision and to enjoy a different perspective of this beautiful world. While gazing, take a few moments to breathe deeply. This will provide further eye support by providing oxygen. Plus, it feels great.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Now, go outside and gaze at far horizons. Take a few deep breaths, smile, and relax. It's a beautiful world.

One of the most important nutrients you can consume is Lutein. Eat as much spinach and kale as you can. If you dont care for those vegetables you can get it in supplements form.

Also, avoiding Blue Light is important. Glasses that prevent blue light will be amber or yellow tinted.