As the eyes age, they are more susceptible to serious vision issues and diseases. One such disease, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), can result in the loss of central vision. This month, our experts are sharing actionable steps you can take to help prevent AMD. While early diagnosis and effective treatment can help slow or stop further loss of sight, there are actions you can take today to support prevention of AMD too.
Stop Smoking
One way to help reduce your risk of AMD is to quit smoking or never start. Research shows that smoking can actually double a person’s risk of developing AMD, and is arguably one of the most important risk factors when it comes to the eye disease. The reason for this is that smoking generates exposure to dangerous elements that can cause cellular damage. It can also prevent important nutrients from reaching the retina to keep it healthy and thriving.
There are many other health benefits to eliminating smoking, and your primary care physician and ophthalmologist can certainly share more about the positive side effects you can anticipate once you quit smoking.
Focus on Nutrition
Experts recommend incorporating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help prevent development of AMD. Antioxidant vitamins, such as those found in spinach, kale, and swiss chard, help protect against cellular damage that can contribute to AMD. Eating foods that contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin can also further protect eyes and vision. These types of foods include egg yolk, yellow corn, kiwi, grapes, and zucchini.
Research shows that people who eat a rich fruit and vegetable diet as well as twice-weekly meals of fat-rich fish like salmon or mackerel, have a lower risk of vision loss related to AMD.
Prioritize Annual Eye Exams
Unsurprisingly, as we age our risk for developing vision problems like AMD only increases. Because of this, routine eye exams become even more important. These exams offer your eye doctor the opportunity to monitor your eye health over time and flag any issues or inconsistencies they find. Exams at regular intervals begin to show patterns or progression of potential risk factors for vision problems. Even if you are not yet exhibiting any symptoms or feeling any issues, your eye doctor may be able to detect vision problems early and offer timely intervention. Early diagnosis, particularly with AMD, can lead to more effective treatment and ultimately aid in preserving vision.
If you are due for your annual eye exam, contact our team of experts today to schedule your appointment. We are here to support your eye health and protect your vision. By maintaining eye exams, ceasing smoking, and focusing on quality nutrition, you are setting yourself up on a clear path to help prevent the development of AMD.