Looking for an excuse to barbecue this summer?

It's hard to know whether every suggested lifestyle change will really benefit my health. I'm more likely to pay attention if the reported news makes it very clear how the new study may or may not affect my future. So I paid attention to a recent study on how oily fish could protect against a common cause of blindness.

The study was a review of all the research on omega-3 fatty acids and age-related macular degeneration, a condition that affects the vision of about 5 in 100 Americans over the age of 60. AMD blurs the sharp central vision you need for activities such as reading, sewing, and driving, and can lead to blindness.

Researchers are especially interested in finding a way to prevent AMD, because although there are some treatments that can slow down vision loss, doctors have no way of restoring vision that's already been lost.

The new study found that eating at least two portions of oily fish a week reduced the risk of getting AMD by about a third.

Although more research is needed to check these findings, the study authors offer a good explanation of why it makes sense. Oily fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. One of these fatty acids, called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is present in high concentrations in the nerve cells in the retina, the part of the eye that gets destroyed in AMD. So a diet rich in these fatty acids might protect against AMD.

Omega-3 fatty acids are called "essential" because our bodies can't make them. You can only get them from food. And they are found in oily fish, such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, fresh tuna (canned tuna doesn't count), as well as in some nuts and oils.

What you need to know. If oily fish are a regular part of your diet, you're already making good dietary choices that will help to preserve your sight. If, like me, you tend to overlook the oily fish options in the store or restaurant, then you may want to think again. With summer here, there are more reasons than ever not to pass up the barbecued salmon.

—Zosia Kmietowicz, patient editor, BMJ Group

ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use.

For more information, read about the benefits of fish oil and a heart-healthy diet (free), and take a look at our Natural Medicine Ratings on omega-3 fatty acids. (subscribers only).