A leading eye doctor from the United States warned that one of these dietary habits involves eating a lot of fried foods, which can harm eyesight.
 

Dr. Brian Wachtler, famous on "TikTok," explains that trans fats found mostly in fried foods are linked to the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

He said: "Fried food is cooked in trans fats, which can raise blood cholesterol levels."

He adds that high cholesterol levels are "associated with age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy."

A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology supports Dr. Wachtler's suggestion, as its results showed that those who consume high levels of red and processed meats, fried foods, refined grains, and high-fat dairy products were about three times more likely to develop late-stage age-related macular degeneration.

Dr. Wachtler advises trying to eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and red peppers.

He added: "Foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin, such as spinach and kale, are also associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration."

Alternatively, taking certain supplements containing vitamin C can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

A study on a supplement formula called the AREDS2 formula, containing 500 mg of vitamin C, zinc, lutein, copper, vitamin E, and zeaxanthin, found that some who follow a diet low in fresh green leafy vegetables benefitted.

It is noted that age-related macular degeneration does not lead to complete blindness but is a condition that severely affects the central part of vision.

The condition can affect one or both eyes and includes symptoms such as:

- Visual distortions: seeing straight lines as wavy or twisted

- Objects appear smaller than usual

- Colors appear less bright than before

- Hallucinations: seeing things that aren't there

Dr. Wachtler also pointed out that consuming "simple carbohydrates," such as those found in white bread and pasta, is associated with macular degeneration. He recommended people eat whole grains instead, explaining: "Simple carbohydrates, such as those found in white bread and pasta, have been linked to a greater likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD)."

Studies have shown that high blood sugar levels are also linked to the onset of age-related macular degeneration because elevated blood sugar levels are associated with widespread inflammation.

These types of carbohydrates are digested very quickly, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

It is noted that there are two types of age-related macular degeneration: wet and dry.

The National Health Service (NHS) explains that dry age-related macular degeneration, which is less severe, develops gradually over several years and results from the accumulation of drusen, a fatty material, at the back of the eye.

Whereas wet age-related macular degeneration is due to abnormal blood vessels at the back of the eye and is less common.

However, it can develop quickly, so if you experience symptoms of age-related macular degeneration, be sure to visit an eye specialist as soon as possible.