{"id":7120,"date":"2020-07-22T20:04:51","date_gmt":"2020-07-22T20:04:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=7120"},"modified":"2021-08-11T10:04:35","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T10:04:35","slug":"protecting-yourself-from-macular-degeneration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/macular-degeneration-guide\/protecting-yourself-from-macular-degeneration\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Yourself From Macular Degeneration"},"content":{"rendered":"

Macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over the age of 50.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Follow these 8 tips to lower your risk of AMD and protect your ocular health and eyesight.<\/p>\n

Note: This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Quit smoking<\/b><\/h2>\n

Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of AMD<\/a> by up to four times, and if you have a family history of AMD, smoking can increase your risk by up to 20 times.<\/b><\/p>\n

Cigarette smoke contains 4,700 toxic chemicals. With repeated exposure, these harmful chemicals can cause your retinal cells to age faster, and increase your risk of retinal thinning\u2014 putting your ocular health and vision at a greater risk.<\/p>\n

Moreover, smoking reduces the levels of antioxidants in your body and therefore strips the body of its protective armor, needed for maintaining your health.<\/p>\n

Smoking also causes narrowing of the blood vessels. This effect can increase your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of AMD.<\/p>\n

According to some research, people who smoke have lower levels of lutein and zeaxanthin (macular pigments), responsible for protecting the macula from ultra violet (UV) radiation\u2014 another risk factor for AMD.<\/p>\n

2. Fill your plate with green leafy vegetables<\/b><\/h2>\n

Lutein and zeaxanthin<\/a> are yellow carotenoid antioxidants known as macular pigments because they are found in high concentrations in the macula.<\/p>\n

According to research, consuming 6-20 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin per day can significantly reduce your risk of ocular conditions, such as AMD.<\/p>\n

People who eat vegetables rich in lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce their risk of AMD by 43 percent.<\/p>\n

Moreover, according to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2<\/a> (AREDS2), 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin lead to a significant reduction in AMD progression.<\/p>\n

Carotenoid-rich vegetables include dark, leafy greens, such as raw spinach, kale and collard greens. These vegetables are full of antioxidants that fight free radicals and protect your eyes from cellular damage.<\/p>\n

3. Take a daily multivitamin supplement<\/b><\/h2>\n

If your daily meals do not provide enough vitamins and nutrients, you may be deficient in certain vitamins that are vital for your ocular health.<\/p>\n

Speak with your doctor about adding a multivitamin to your diet to reduce your risk of AMD.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

4. Add omega-3 to your diet<\/b><\/h2>\n

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are vital for ocular health. DHA is found in high concentrations in the retina, where it may help to support ocular function.<\/p>\n

According to research, taking a daily dose of at least 500 mg of omega-3 may reduce your risk of ocular disease.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Oily fish contains high amounts of EPA and DHA and is the best food source of omega-3. Though, omega-3 supplements containing fish oil or microalgae are good sources as well.<\/p>\n

If you suspect you have symptoms of macular degeneration, contact an eye doctor<\/a> near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/strong> Coping with Macular Degeneration\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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