Simple Tips to Help Prevent Age-related Macular Degeneration

Our eyes have two types of vision: central and peripheral. Central vision helps a person see what’s directly ahead. What ensures a clear and sharp central vision is an area of the retina (the lining in the back of an eye) called the macula. Macular degeneration is a condition that hampers one’s central vision due to abnormalities in the macula. Since it usually develops when a person ages, it’s commonly called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What are the signs and causes of age-related macular degeneration?
Before discussing the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, let us take a quick look at its signs and causes. Typically, this eye disease causes blurriness while reading, driving, or watching TV. Patients may also need brighter light when reading or doing close-up work as they find it increasingly difficult to adapt to low-light or dimly-lit areas. Further, individuals may notice black spots and visual distortions (straight lines appearing wavy). These signs make diagnosing the problem easier for an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Age-related macular degeneration is among the leading causes of poor vision in the country and is common among those aged 50 and above. Its exact cause is unknown, but the chances are higher in individuals who have a family history of the disorder, follow an unhealthy lifestyle, have heart disease or high blood pressure, and live in places exposed to excessive ultraviolet light.
How to prevent age-related macular degeneration?
Not everyone with the condition has a danger of losing sight, especially if they take appropriate preventive measures. The following lifestyle changes can help in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration:
Eat healthy foods
Some foods have eye-healthy nutrients and should be added to the meal plan. Fatty fish is the best example. Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can protect against and even reverse eye damage. Nuts like walnuts, peanuts, and cashews, are also healthy as they have high levels of vitamin E. Further, seeds like chia, flax, and hemp contain high omega-3 and vitamin E, protecting the eyes from age-related damage. Finally, fresh citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and leafy vegetables like spinach and kale should not be skipped. These are full of vitamin C and antioxidants that protect the eyes from age-related damage and improve overall eye health.
Drink sufficient water
There’s simply no substitute for this life-giving fluid. Drinking lots of water ensures the eyes are moist and healthy. Sufficient lubrication of the eyes, in turn, prevents the accumulation of bacteria and dust particles. Experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. Besides helping with the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, water can keep other eye disorders, such as dry eyes, at bay.
Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and red meat
While some foods help manage the condition, others can worsen it. For the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, one must strictly avoid processed foods containing trans fats and red meat like pork, beef, and lamb that are high in saturated fats. They can clog the heart’s blood vessels and affect the tiny blood vessels of the eyes. Similarly, sugary foods must be kept off the menu as they promote inflammation. This includes soda, candy, and baked goods made from refined flour.
Wear sunglasses
Exposing the eyes to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the retina, increasing the risk of this disorder. A simple practice of wearing sunglasses before walking into bright light can go a long way in protecting the eyes. However, buying the right sunglasses that block maximum UV rays is vital.
Be physically active
Studies show that moderate physical activity can increase blood flow to the optic nerve and the retina, maintaining good eye health. Eye exercises like palming, blinking, and zooming also help. One can consult a doctor to learn to perform the exercises correctly for the best results.
Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
Unregulated blood pressure and cholesterol levels affect small blood vessels running through the eyes. It can weaken and thin the delicate eye blood vessels, impair vision, and result in eye disorders or permanent blindness. Keeping these levels at a healthy range can help in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
Go for regular eye check-ups
It’s advisable to see a vision specialist once a year and get the eyes checked, especially after 40. This will give an early indication in case of developing AMD, and the experts can recommend instant remedies to prevent it from worsening. If a diagnosis is confirmed, the expert may provide suitable magnifiers and lights to help make the best of one’s remaining vision. They can also advise on any surgery that can nip the disease at an early stage.
How long does it take for the disorder to progress to blindness?
It takes around ten years from diagnosis for a person to become legally blind. But some types of this condition can result in vision loss within days. As a result, if symptoms start to manifest, it’s advised to contact vision specialists at once. However, not everyone who shows early signs will develop advanced age-related macular degeneration or become blind. Most patients can maintain decent vision for the duration of their lives with expert guidance and lifestyle changes.
What are the types of age-related macular degeneration?
The two main types are as follows:
Dry AMD
The condition develops when the macula gets thinner with age. It appears gradually over several years, usually in three stages: early, intermediate, and late. Late dry AMD has no known cure, but one can protect and preserve their remaining vision.
Wet AMD
It’s less common than dry AMD but causes vision loss rapidly. Wet AMD is always a late stage. Here, the macula gets damaged because of abnormal development in blood vessels in the back of an eye. But unlike dry AMD, this one can be treated.
Dry AMD, at any point, can progress to wet AMD and cause permanent vision loss. So it’s advisable to take steps to prevent further damage.