Anti-inflammatory and other properties of Vitamin D may play a significant role in eye health, specifically in the possible prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) among women.

At the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, Associate Professor Amy Millen and her team, found women who are deficient in vitamin D with a high-risk genotype are 6.7 times more likely to develop AMD.

Women are more genetically prone to developing the sight-damaging disease. “This study . . does suggest if you’re at high genetic risk for AMD, having enough vitamin D might help reduce your risk,” said Assoc. Prof. Millen.

“To our knowledge, this is the first study that’s looked at the interaction between genetic risk and vitamin D status in the context of age-related eye disease.”

Researchers analysed data compiled on 1,230 women ages 54 to 74.

Vitamin D shows promise for protecting against AMD because of its anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. Antiangiogenic refers to slowing the growth of new blood vessels, often seen in late stages of AMD.

Assoc. Prof. Millen said patients should not be encouraged to rush out and purchase vitamin D supplements. “Our message is not that achieving really high levels of vitamin D are good for the eye, but that having deficient vitamin D levels may be unhealthy for your eyes.”