Research has suggested that gaining weight in middle age could notably increase a man's risk of going blind in later life, which may interest men already wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision.

According to scientists at the University of Melbourne, piling on the pounds puts men in danger of contracting age-related macular degeneration (AMD), though the risk to women appears to be unaffected.

"There is evidence that chronic inflammation is involved in AMD and obesity is a pro-inflammatory state. Our study underlines the importance of abdominal obesity as a risk factor for AMD," they explained.

Meanwhile, a study published in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology has found that increased intake of vitamin D could help prevent older women from contracting AMD, the world's leading cause of blindness.

Scientists believe that the nutrient, found in eggs and oily fish, has anti-inflammatory properties that help block damage to the eyes.

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