How to Avoid Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is the primary cause of vision loss among people 60 years or older. Therefore taking steps to help avoid this eye disease is essential. Clinical trials reveal that specific measures can significantly increase the risk of macular degeneration. However, other actions based on minor tests and theoretical considerations can also diminish the threat.

Information about preventing macular degeneration is not available in the medical fraternity. However, a diet devoid of smoking and rich in fruits and vegetables but limiting red meat, use of sunglasses when outdoors, regular exams from the optometrist near you, and an increase in AREDS2 vitamins when indicated increase the chances of maintaining a healthy vision for life.

At What Age Does Macular Degeneration Start?

As the name implies, age-related macular generation generally affects people in their 50s and 60s, affecting the middle part of their vision. Macular degeneration does not cause blindness but makes daily activities such as reading and recognizing faces challenging. Macular degeneration may worsen without treatment but happens gradually or quickly over a few weeks or months, depending on whether you have dry macular degeneration or wet macular degeneration. The precise reasons for the condition remain unknown, although it has been linked to smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and a family history of macular degeneration.

Most significant Risk Factor of Macular Degeneration

Smoking is one of the risk factors of macular degeneration besides other diseases making it essential for smokers to quit smoking, especially if they have symptoms of macular degeneration, because it helps save their vision.

Supplements

The age-related disease study (AREDS2) on macular degeneration revealed that sudden micronutrient supplements reduce the risk of immediate or late-stage macular degeneration by 25 percent. The study showed the formula of 10 MG of lutein, 2 MG of zeaxanthin, 500 MG of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 80 MG of zinc oxide, and 2 MG of cupric oxide helps reduce the progress of macular degeneration by 25 percent. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that resemble vitamin A. Many vitamins are marketed for macular degeneration and sold over the counter. However, if your ophthalmologist recommends, you must ensure you purchase vitamins specifying the AREDS2 formula. The vitamins help people with spots called drusen on the retina, which are visible to Seton eye clinic during a dilated eye exam. However, the supplements are not recommended for people who do not have drusen or only have a few spots because they don’t have a risk of developing macular degeneration over the next five years.

Diet

Family members of relatives with macular degeneration should inquire whether they should take AREDS2 vitamins or lutein and zeaxanthin supplements. While the supplements are safe for a period of five years, information is not available on their safety for decades. Therefore family members of relatives affected by macular degeneration are recommended to have foods containing high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin instead of supplements. Such foods contain numerous other helpful phytochemicals that are beneficial. Foods like egg York, yellow corn, orange and yellow peppers, broccoli, spinach, zucchini, et cetera have high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin and are considered protective measures.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is another risk factor for developing macular degeneration. Blood pressure leads to constriction or narrowing of the blood vessels nourishing the retina to affect its health, similar to smoking adversely.

Sunlight Exposure

Long-term exposure to bright sunlight also becomes a risk factor for macular degeneration. Studies indicate that fishermen exposed to bright sunlight are right and high-risk of this disease. Staring at bright light from the sun for even a couple of minutes causes permanent damage to the retina. Therefore many ophthalmologists suggest wearing sunglasses besides a hat to protect against harmful sunlight.

As you age, it is essential to have regular eye examinations, especially if you have risk factors associated with this condition. You will not notice symptoms if only one eye is affected by macular degeneration. However, an optometrist conducting genetic testing can make an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosing and treating macular degeneration early might help control the progress of the disease to stabilize or even restore some lost vision. However, if left untreated, you must prepare to face the challenges this condition brings you to make life difficult.

If you are over 50 and confront challenges with your vision, consult Premier Eye Care — Seton for an eye exam. The facility can diagnose your eye disease accurately and suggest remedial measures to help control the progress of macular degeneration.