Dr. Browne:  Managing hyperlipidemia (blood lipids like cholesterol), like avoiding smoking, is a way that individuals can reduce their risk of developing AMD.  I recommend to my patients who have high cholesterol that they avoid rich or fatty foods and discuss their blood lipids with their primary care doctor.  

While hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for AMD, there is no direct evidence showing that eating a nightly dish of ice cream results in AMD progression.

Following a sensible and healthy diet is the best advice for decreasing the risk of AMD and other systemic illnesses.