Mediterranean Diet and Macular Degeneration

A Mediterranean-style eating pattern is associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progressing. A 2026 clinical review, highlighted in mivision on 6 November, brings together the evidence and supports making food choices part of ongoing macular care.

AMD affects the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision. The practical message is to build meals around vegetables, fruit, legumes, wholegrains, nuts, olive oil and fish.

What the research shows

The review was published online in April 2026 in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. It draws on the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies, known as AREDS and AREDS2, and other population studies.

An important earlier analysis followed 7,756 AREDS and AREDS2 participants. Those whose reported diets more closely resembled a Mediterranean eating pattern had a lower risk of developing late AMD. The association was stronger for geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry AMD, than for wet AMD.

These dietary analyses were observational: participants were not randomly assigned to change their meals. They support a useful association, while leaving uncertainty about how much changing diet alone alters an individual's risk.

Putting the evidence into meals

Macular Disease Foundation Australia recommends dark green leafy vegetables and fruit daily, with fish or seafood two or three times each week. Fresh, frozen and tinned options can all fit.

Practical choices include:

• Adding spinach, silverbeet or kale to a meal.

• Using chickpeas, beans or lentils in salads, soups and main dishes.

• Choosing wholegrain bread or other higher-fibre grain foods.

• Including oily fish such as salmon or sardines, with vegetables.

• Using extra virgin olive oil and including nuts as part of a balanced diet.

A consistent eating pattern makes these choices easier to maintain. Meals can be adapted to your preferences, budget and any dietary advice for other medical conditions.

Where supplements fit

Food and AREDS2 supplements have different roles. An AREDS2-type formulation may be recommended for selected people with intermediate AMD or late AMD in one eye. Our ophthalmologists assess the stage of disease and review medicines and other supplements before advising on suitability.

Continuing macular care

Healthy eating sits alongside regular monitoring and any prescribed treatment. Keep your planned eye appointments and seek prompt assessment for new distortion or a new blurred area in central vision.

At Eye and Retina Specialists Sydney in Green Square/Waterloo, our ophthalmologists Dr Neil Sharma, Dr Cheryl Au and Dr Linda Zheng provide macular degeneration assessment and care. If you would like your macular health reviewed, you are welcome to contact our team.