Macular degeneration prevalant in Marion County
Staff writer
Researchers know that aging is a proven risk factor for macular degeneration, a condition that will eventually lead to blindness.
What they don't know is why Marion County is one of three Kansas counties which has more cases of macular degeneration than anywhere else in the state.
That's why Marion County senior citizens over the age of 65 are being asked to participate in a survey which is attempting to determine whether there's a link between nutrition and age related macular degeneration.
The macula is located in the center of the eye's retina. It's the part of the retina which provides an individual's most acute and detailed vision.
Macular degeneration is the loss of that vision and the leading cause of legal blindness in people over age 55.
"It affects five percent of the population over 65. It's not treatable. It's not preventable," explained Cynthia Allen, a research assistant with the Department of Human Nutrition at Kansas State University.
"It's very debilitating for people. You lose your independence. You can't see to fix your own meals. You can't drive," Allen said.
Allen and Carol Ann Holcomb, a professor of human nutrition at K-State, are exploring a possible association between the consumption of eggs and corn and a lowered incidence of central vision loss.
Allen was at Marion's Senior Center Oct. 29 and in Peabody Oct. 30 talking about macular degeneration and asking for seniors' help in finding the cause. Allen will be in Hillsboro on Nov. 19.
Marion County, along with Seward and Harvey counties, have the three highest incidences of macular degeneration in the state of Kansas, based on statistics compiled by Medicare and Medicaid.
"Obviously, we're trying to find out why," Allen said.
The 48-question survey, which takes approximately 25 minutes to complete, asks each senior how often they consume eggs and corn, as well as common foods made with egg and corn products. The survey also includes basic health questions.
Allen said she and Holcomb are attempting to determine if eating corn and eggs may provide potential eye health benefits. In particular, a lowered incidence of age-related macular degeneration.
"We're looking at diet and two things in particular — lutein and zeaxanthin," Allen said. "Those are pigments in food that are also in the macula."
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids. Carotenoids are natural, fat-soluble pigments found in plants and animals, according to a news release from K-State.
"So basically, we're looking at eggs and corn verses the people who eat them," Allen said.
Even though age is a factor, researchers really don't know what causes macular degeneration. Allen said.
"The only proven risk factor is aging. As you age you're more likely to get it," she said. "Also if there's a family history of it. Smoking also is probably a factor."
Men and women over the age of 65 living in Marion, Chase, Greenwood, Harvey, Lyon, or Seward counties are asked to complete the survey. The study is targeting all people over the age of 65 whether or not they have age-related macular degeneration.
Allen said the study is being funded by the American Egg Board and Kansas Corn Commission. "Although we're not beholden to them on the findings," she added.
To participate in the study, contact Allen toll free at 1-866-344-2676 for more details.
