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Diet and Age-Related Eye Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2025) | Viewed by 3079

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Ophthalmology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
Interests: retina; age-related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; retinal vascular occlusion; intermittent fasting; magnesium; oxidative stress

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vision is one of our most precious senses, and while there is active medical discussion on how to maintain healthy vision, dietary habits for eye health often receive less attention. However, ensuring a healthy diet is one of the most preventive and noninvasive methods essential not only for overall well-being but also, critically, for maintaining eye health.

The vital role played by nutrition in preserving sight and preventing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma has been well established. A diet rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with a lower risk of these conditions, supporting neuro-retinal function and protecting against oxidative damage. Certain supplements, such as the AREDS2 formula, show promise in slowing down the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Glycation, a non-enzymatic reaction between sugars and proteins or lipids, leads to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and ocular degeneration. Low-glycemic diets or fasting decrease the formation of AGEs while also activating ketone production and Sirtuin 1 (a nutrient-sensing deacetylase), which exert anti-inflammatory effects and enhance mitochondrial function, thereby improving the function of vascular endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells. Intermittent fasting and low-glycemic diets have shown potential benefits for individuals at risk of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

This Special Issue of Nutrients aims to explore the intricate relationship between diet and eye health through the latest research, potentially shedding light on dietary recommendations and interventions for maintaining optimal vision throughout life.

Prof. Dr. Eun-young Choi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • eye health
  • nutrition
  • oxidative stress
  • dietary interventions
  • glaucoma
  • age-related macular degeneration
  • retinal vascular occlusion
  • cataract
  • oxidative damage
  • diabetic retinopathy
  • dry eye disease

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 287 KB  
Article
Influence of Dietary Habits on Oxidative Stress Parameters, Selenium, Copper, and Zinc Levels in the Serum of Patients with Age-Related Cataract
by Martyna Falkowska, Izabela Zawadzka, Monika Grabia-Lis, Dominika Patrycja Dobiecka, Maryla Młynarczyk, Joanna Konopińska and Katarzyna Socha
Nutrients 2025, 17(20), 3237; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203237 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 655
Abstract
Background: A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens that obscures the passage of light, effectively reducing clarity and sharpness of vision. Although this disease can affect both children and adults, the most common type is the age-related cataract (ARC). The [...] Read more.
Background: A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens that obscures the passage of light, effectively reducing clarity and sharpness of vision. Although this disease can affect both children and adults, the most common type is the age-related cataract (ARC). The literature describes many potential agents associated with cataract development. However, this study focuses on modifiable factors, especially nutritional ones and those that may induce oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to assess serum selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations, as well as the copper/zinc molar ratio (Cu/Zn molar ratio), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI), of patients with ARC in relation to their dietary habits. Methods: A total of 68 patients with ARC and 64 healthy volunteers, with ages ranging from 48 to 92 years, were included in this study. The experimental material collected from the participants consisted of blood samples, which were tested for Se, Cu, and Zn concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Oxidative stress (OS) parameters, such as TAS and TOS, were estimated spectrophotometrically. In addition, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on the dietary habits of ARC patients. Results: Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn in serum were significantly lower in ARC patients compared to the controls. In the ARC group, some elements of dietary behavior had a significant effect on the levels of the examined elements and OS parameters. Conclusions: Thus, eventual alterations to one’s diet appear to be worth considering in the context of maintaining homeostasis and adequate mineral levels in ARC patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Age-Related Eye Diseases)
11 pages, 1599 KB  
Article
Sufficient Magnesium Intake Reduces Retinal Vein Occlusion Risk: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis
by Jiwoo Kim, Min Kim, Christopher Seungkyu Lee and Eun Young Choi
Nutrients 2025, 17(7), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071285 - 7 Apr 2025
Viewed by 2078
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a major cause of vision loss globally. Although magnesium (Mg) is crucial for vascular health, its association with RVO risk is unknown. Thus, we aimed to further examine this association. Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a major cause of vision loss globally. Although magnesium (Mg) is crucial for vascular health, its association with RVO risk is unknown. Thus, we aimed to further examine this association. Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2021 aged ≥19 years (n = 16,358). RVO diagnosis was based on fundus imaging or was self-reported. Based on their daily Mg intake, we categorized participants into low (<120 mg), intermediate (men: 120–300 mg; women: 120–400 mg), and sufficient (men: ≥300 mg; women: ≥400 mg) intake groups and compared their characteristics across groups. Results: RVO prevalence was 0.7%. Compared to the non-RVO group, the RVO group was characterized by older individuals, fewer current alcohol consumers, a higher prevalence of hypertension and chronic kidney disease, and a lower intake of fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin E, and Mg. After full adjustment, sufficient Mg intake was significantly associated with a 64% reduced risk of RVO (odds ratio [OR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18–0.71, p = 0.003). This association was particularly notable among individuals aged 19–59 years (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04–0.82, p = 0.027), those with hypertension (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13–0.67, p = 0.003), and those without glaucoma (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15–0.71, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Sufficient Mg intake may reduce RVO risk among adults aged <60 years, individuals with hypertension, and those without glaucoma. Further research should validate the benefits of Mg supplementation in preventing RVO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Age-Related Eye Diseases)
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