There are various ways on how to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Since it runs in the family, you might feel anxious about developing it in the future. The good news is, there are ways to reduce your risk of acquiring this eye disease. We’ve prepared a rundown of these helpful methods.
How to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration | 6 Useful Tips
Stop Smoking
If you’ve never smoked, good for you. For smokers, you must start thinking twice. Some studies have shown that smokers are at a greater risk of getting age-related macular degeneration.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that smokers are about four times more likely to get AMD than non-smokers. Another study from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary found that smokers are 1.9 times more likely to get macular degeneration, but past smokers are 1.7 times at a higher risk of getting AMD.
Refine Your Diet
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How to prevent age-related macular degeneration? Eating greens and lots of fish might help. A study from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary suggests people who eat vegetables rich in carotenoids have 43% lower risk of AMD. So, add plenty of dark, leafy veggies in your diet like spinach and kale.
Also, increase your fish intake to reduce the risk of AMD. Older men who consume high levels of fish are 45% less likely to develop eye disease.
Take Supplements
The age-related eye disease study or AREDS2 revealed that taking certain micronutrients may help. This formula may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration: 2 mg of zeaxanthin, 10 milligrams (mg) of lutein, and 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin E. Also, add 500 mg of vitamin C, 2 mg of cupric oxide, and 80 mg of zinc oxide.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids. There are supplements for macular degeneration prevention available on the market.
Exercise and Maintain Weight
Being active can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. A study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology showed regular exercise helps prevent eye disease progression.
Check Your Blood Pressure
People with high blood pressure are prone to developing wet age-related macular degeneration. Like smoking, high blood pressure can lead to the constriction or narrowing of blood vessels that sustain the retina. The abnormal blood vessels may reduce the blood flow to the eye.
Frequent Eye Exams
AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that lets you see fine details. Regular visits to the eye doctor are very important. Frequent check-ups may lead to early diagnosis. When caught early, you can slow down the progress of the disease, and you won’t lose your vision.
To know what foods to avoid with macular degeneration, watch this video below courtesy of NutritionFacts.org:
Age-related macular degeneration is incurable at the moment. This debilitating disease is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in many elderly people in the world. If you have a history of AMD in the family, you must be proactive in reducing the risk of developing the eye disease in the future.
Did you find this blog informative? Share your personal tips on how to prevent age-related macular degeneration. Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2018 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
