Preventing blindness - Is there anything fish oil can't do?

[caption id="attachment_541" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Anchovies, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids"][/caption]

Researchers from Tufts University just published a study whose results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can play a role in slowing the deterioration of eyesight due to age-related macular degeneration [AMD]. They link these findings to prior work at their lab suggesting a low glycemic index diet (ie, one which produces smaller/slower changes in blood glucose and insulin) is helpful in preventing the progression of AMD.

Participants who consumed higher amounts of DHA and EPA appeared to have lower risk of progression to both wet and dry forms of advanced AMD. ... "Data from the present study also shows the supplements and omega-3 fatty acids collaborate with low-dietary glycemic index (dGI) diets against progression to advanced AMD," says corresponding author Chung-Jung Chiu, ... "Our previous research suggests a low-GI diet may prevent AMD from progressing to the advanced stage. We hypothesize that the rapid rise of blood glucose initiated by high-GI foods results in cellular damage that retinal cells cannot handle, thus damaging eye tissues."

A low glycemic index diet combined with abundant quantities of omega-3 fatty acids--this sounds suspiciously close to the paleo diet.