Macular Degeneration
Also referred to as AMD, is the degeneration of the macula which is the area of the retina that oversees visual function. This is responsible for the human ability to recognize faces, memorize places and understand our surroundings. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, especially in older individuals.
Age-related macular degeneration can be deemed the largest cause of vision loss among North Americans from the ages of 60 onwards. For some it is a hereditary disease that cannot be prevented, but, there certainly are measures that can be taken to help ensure its prevention.
Here are a few lifestyle changes and other steps you can take to reduce this risk.
1. Give Up Smoking
Studies suggest that one of the most eminent factors in causing macular degeneration in adults is smoking. As the body ages, its ability to deal with the toxins reduces and the negative effects of smoking start showing in the form of such diseases. If you are experiencing any symptoms of AMD, you need to stop smoking immediately.
2. Supplements
ARED or age-related eye diseases accelerate over time. If nothing is done to treat or prevent it, there is a high likelihood that it will move on to the second stage of the disease. There are certain supplements for micronutrients that can be taken to stop the disease in its early stages. A supplement that entails cupric acid, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C and zinc oxide can be taken to reduce the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration.
You can find over the counter drugs / supplements that target eye health improvement. Your ophthalmologist may recommend that you start taking supplements with the AREDS2 formula. This formula also helps treat the spots known as drusen that appear on the retina. The physician can observe these spots through a dilated eye examination. If you have no symptoms of drusen, then it is better to take some other recommendation from your eye doctor to treat your eye health.
3. Healthy Diet
While most people suffering from this disease may immediately inquire regarding the supplements for it, most forget to understand the importance of a healthy diet for eye health. While most AREDS2 formula supplements are safe to be taken for a maximum period of five years, they may not be considered continuous medication for decades to come. It is recommended that people with this disease and their family members eat foods that are high in lutein and zeaxanthin. Food also contains phytochemicals that may be vital to the overall mechanism of the eyes. Yellow corn, egg yolks, yellow or orange peppers, spinach, broccoli, kale kiwi, zucchini, grapes, and squash are foods recommended in reducing the effects of this disease.
A diet rich in antioxidants and fatty acids also promotes macular health. The omega 3s reduce the effects of aging in the eyes. Salmon is one fish that needs to be a staple in your diet to treat age-related macular degeneration.
