Greens 'Save OAPs' sight'

By Allison Martin

EATING foods such as peas, sweetcorn and broccoli could prevent elderly people going blind, scientists claimed yesterday. The vegetables contain chemicals that appear to stop the eye's retina deteriorating with age, researchers believe. The condition, age-related macular degeneration, is the main reason why old folk in developing countries lose their sight. Foodstuffs such as egg yolk and fruit squash may also help combat the disease. They all contain chemicals called carotenoids, which produce their distinctive colour. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT But carotenoids may also filter out parts of light that damage the retina and may strengthen the eye, experts say. The US team, which looked at women aged 50-79, said their findings matched earlier studies "that suggest carotenoids may protect against AMD". But they said more tests were needed.

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