ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress is the main determinant for various age-related retinal damages. High levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), free fatty acids and high dietary intake of saturated fats, low-dietary intake of antioxidants, low-dietary intake of zinc, and high levels of sugar also known as hyperglycemia in the blood originating from poor nutrition are risk factors for retinal cell inammation and subsequent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The accumulation of the aforementioned risk factors even in the absence of diabetes leads to the development of preinammatory condition, which, if not treated, becomes chronic low-grade inammation. Chronic lowgrade inammation can lead to insulin resistance in various tissues. Insulin resistance promotes the expression of various growth factors, some of which are involved in the development and progression of age-related macular diseases. Therefore, poor nutrition can also contribute to oxidative damage of eye tissues through the contribution of endogenously generated AGEs.
