BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Older adults who eat fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, may have a lower risk of serious vision loss from age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.

AMD, which usually affects older adults and does not have a cure, results in a loss of vision because of damage to the retina.

Around 1.75 million Americans have been diagnosed with AMD, and it is the leading cause of blindness in whites.

Although the study does not prove that eating fish cuts the risk of developing AMD, it does provide further evidence that regular fish eaters tend to have lower rates of AMD than people who do not eat fish.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University analyzed data from over 2,500 adults aged 65 to 84.

They found a connection between a high intake of omega-3 fish and the odds of advanced AMD. However, it was unclear why eating fish seemed to lower the risk of advanced AMD, but not earlier stages of the disease.

The American Heart Association already recommends that adults eat fatty fish at least twice a week for heart health benefits.