A 2010 study shows that cholesterol biosynthesis could be involved in age-related macular degeneration, and supports data from other studies that have indicated a role for cholesterol in the pathology that leads to a major cause of visual impairment.
Until more is known, people should strive to live a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Seddon (lead researcher) said. “People should lower their total cholesterol because we know that higher cholesterol is related to increased AMD risk, refrain from smoking, and eat healthy foods, such as dark leafy vegetables, spinach, collard greens, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Ref: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2010 Annual Meeting: Abstract 2475. Presented May 4, 2010.
Update
Another study published online and in the August, 2010 print issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, found that smoking and cholesterol levels affect the risk for early-stage age related macular degeneration (AMD).
Learn more about macular degeneration.