7 Ways to Prevent Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the eyesight issues that you should monitor throughout your life. It is the main cause of vision loss in persons 50 and older. the illness is more common than glaucoma and cataracts combined.

The macula, a region of the rear of the eye next to the retina, deteriorates as a result of the disorder. Macular degeneration can impair a person's ability to perceive what is directly in front of them, such as a mountain view on vacation, even though it has no effect on peripheral vision.

You can alter your way of living in a few ways of preventing macular degeneration. Other risk factors can also contribute to AMD development, even though genetics play a significant role. AMD risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and being overweight. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can actually decrease your risk of macular degeneration. The following are some common approaches to reduce the chance that you develop this condition.

1. Standard OCT eye scanning using Spectralis eye exams
Regular eye exams will enable you to spot early indications of change. A 4D OCT scan from Spectralis enables early detection of even the smallest alterations. Early detection can significantly increase the efficacy of the treatment if such changes are discovered and are curable (in the case of wet macular degeneration treatment). Make sure to have your eyes checked and scanned if you have macular degeneration once a year or right away if you notice any visual reduction.

2. Learn your bloodline
A person is substantially more likely to get AMD if a first-degree relative has the condition. People with a family history of the condition should be on the guard for any signs, which may include trouble recognizing faces, trouble adjusting to low light, and wavy lines appearing in straight lines.

3. Exposure to UV rays
Vulnerability to UV rays according to the Chesapeake Bay Waterman Study, fishermen who are exposed to intense sunlight on a daily basis may be at higher risk. Undoubtedly, even a short period of time spent gazing at a powerful light source like the sun can permanently harm the retina. A hat and sunglasses are frequently advised by ophthalmologists as ways to guard against possibly dangerous bright sunlight.

4. Stop smoking
Smoking is a major cause of AMD-related severe visual loss. In comparison to non-smokers, it can accelerate the disease's progression by five times. Smoking reduces the effectiveness of therapies by raising the level of oxidants in the blood and eyes.

5. Healthy diet
Some foods can help stop macular degeneration. Consume a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and spinach. These are particularly high in lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients essential for eye health. Don`t forget about fatty fish, which is rich in Omega 3 and other useful for your eyes ingredients.

6. Avoid processed carbs
A higher risk of AMD has been associated with diets abundant in refined carbohydrates, such as sugary drinks, white bread, baked potatoes, doughnuts, and crisps. In their place, choose fruits, nuts, veggies, and water.

7. Monitor your blood pressure
People with high blood pressure who want to maintain the health of their heart and eyes should watch how much sodium they consume since hypertension is a risk factor for this condition.

The bottom line
You may forget to blink occasionally if you spend a lot of time at the computer or concentrating on one item, which might cause your eyes to grow tired. Implement the 20-20-20 rule: Look away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes for roughly 20 feet in front of you. This quick workout helps lessen eye weariness.