The Relationship between Food Pattern and Eye Disease

Backgrounds: Modification of daily dietary habit can prevent or change several ophthalmic disease incidence, including cataract, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma and Dry eye. Objective: The aim of this study is to introduce the medical and paramedical communities to the role of diet in the development and occurrence of ophthalmic disease and try to promote consumption of a useful and compatible diet for health. Method: This is a review study. A search was conducted in Medline, PubMed for articles published in 2010-2023 depicted the relationship between ophthalmic disease and food patterns. Results: Meat consumption and oxidative damage from high-temperature cooking of animal products are associated with cataract formation. Diets based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes that minimize the consumption of animal products are useful in preventing cataracts. In addition, high adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern with high micronutrients and low consumption of red meat has been associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration. People using diets made of plants compared to animal based diets, a significant reduction in blood sugar levels, average hemoglobin A1C, and dietary retinopathy levels are observed. Conclusion: Consuming a Mediterranean and plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts and reducing consumption of animal and processed products helps prevent vision loss caused by cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.