Being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can feel confusing and a bit daunting. Our team of experts is here to help and shed light on actionable steps you can take in your daily life once diagnosed with AMD. From diet and weight tips to sun protection and device usage, we are here to support and guide you.
Monitor Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be particularly concerning for patients with AMD, as it is associated with decreased choroidal blood flow. If high blood pressure continues, it can trigger not only AMD but also other serious eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. There are several ways to decrease high blood pressure, including weight loss, physical exercise, and stopping smoking. Discussing the best options specific to your diagnosis is an excellent conversation to have with your eye care provider.
Use Sun Protection
While sun protection is important for everyone, it is particularly important for patients with AMD. This is due to the fact that ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can further aggravate and worsen AMD. Suggestions to protect eyes from the sun include wearing sunglasses with a “UV 400” label, wearing wide-brimmed hats when outdoors, and being mindful that UV protective gear is still important even on cloudy days.
Switch to Low-Vision Devices
Once you are diagnosed with AMD, your eye care doctor may suggest that you switch to low-vision, adaptive devices to support your lifestyle while minimizing strain on your eyes. These types of devices can include reading glasses with high-powered lenses, video magnifiers, large-print reading material, talking clocks/watches, and computers with speech-to-text services. There are fortunately many products available today to make life easier while managing an eye disease like AMD, and it is encouraging to know that you can integrate these devices into your everyday life to support your journey.
Prioritize Antioxidants
Antioxidants can help protect cells from free radicals, which can contribute to diseases like AMD. While a diet high in antioxidants can promote general health and well-being, it can also help reduce the effect of these free radicals when it comes to the progression of AMD. Foods to consider for a high antioxidant diet include:
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Spinach
- Kale
- Mangoes
- Plums
- Turnips
Partner with your eye care specialist for a more robust list of antioxidant-rich foods, as well as a more customized diet plan to meet your needs.
Our expert ReFocus Eye Health team is here to support and guide your AMD journey. If you have been diagnosed with AMD, or you have concerns about the current state of your eye health or vision, contact our team today to schedule an appointment.