New research to help Kiwi’s maintain great eye sight

New research to help Kiwi’s maintain great eye sight

New Zealanders are set to benefit from innovative new research identifying optimum weekly diets for preventing age-related macular degeneration – a leading cause of blindness.

Dr Graham Wilson, renowned ophthalmologist and Clinical Director at St George’s Eye Care in Christchurch, is investigating what New Zealanders need to eat to help prevent age-related macular degeneration and minimise the progression of the disease for those who already have it.

A range of New Zealand-specific dietary scenarios will be identified along with the associated cost. There is also potential to model Maori, Asian and Pacific Island diets.

It is the first time that macular degeneration research of this nature has been carried out in New Zealand.

With Macular Degeneration Awareness week running from 23-29 May, Dr Wilson is keen for Kiwis to understand more about the condition.

Macular degeneration is three times as common as dementia, nearly as common as heart disease and half as common as obesity, but there is very low public awareness. One in seven New Zealanders over the age of 50 are affected by the disease, which is the leading cause of blindness in New Zealand.

“It is well documented that improvements in diet, for example increasing intake of green leafy vegetables, fish and nuts can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration progression in those with early signs of the disease,” says Dr Wilson, who is undertaking the research project alongside his brother Dr Nick Wilson, Professor of Public Health at the University of Otago.

“We aim to take it one step further by modelling the perfect New Zealand diet. The results will be very applicable to the average Kiwi, providing real, tangible information to help prevent the disease and minimise its progression.”

Dr Wilson’s research will be carried out by accessing a University of Otago database that identifies nutrient levels and costs of common New Zealand foods. Linear programming techniques will be used to optimise the nutrients for age-related macular degeneration prevention across a range of diets, including those constrained by cost.

The benefits are not limited to eye health, says Dr Wilson.

“What is good for your eyes is also good for your heart and in preventing certain types of cancer. The research findings will also be applicable to prevention of other diseases.”

ENDS

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