Irish researchers have identified a new risk factor for Age-related Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Ireland reports RTE news.

The team at the Waterford Institute of Technology have found that increased weight may reduce a protective eye pigment, increasing the risk of developing the condition.

AMD affects one in ten people over the age of 50.

The condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina at the back of the eye, which is responsible for the 'straight-ahead' vision necessary for everyday activities such as reading, driving and identifying faces.

Mark Cahill, of the Irish College of Ophthalmologists, said that while age was still the main risk factor, lifestyle changes such as ensuring a balanced diet and blood pressure control can help prevent AMD progression.

The research was lead by Professor Stephen Beatty and Dr John Nolan and was funded by the Irish charity, Fighting Blindness, and the Health Research Board.

The main symptoms of AMD are sudden onset of distortion and blurring in the centre of a person's vision.

The protective pigment is obtained from eating fruits and vegetables and it filters out blue light, which causes damage to the macula.

AMD awareness week runs from 20 September to 26 September.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0915/blindness.html