Sometimes we don't think about how valuable our eyesight is until something threatens the loss of our vision. Macular degeneration is one real threat to our vision as we age. In fact, macular degeneration is the leading cause of fine vision loss in Americans over the age of 60, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, a part of the eye's retina that provides central vision. Central vision refers to the sharp, focused kind of vision that allows you to see objects clearly. It's necessary for many daily-living tasks, including driving and reading.
Since the damage caused by macular degeneration cannot be undone, it pays to take steps to prevent macular degeneration. Here are three research-proven steps that can help prevent the onset of AMD:
1) Eat Well: We all know that our diet plays a big part in the condition of our overall health, and the health of our eyes is no exception. According to amdalliance.org, research has shown that eating a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens, can reduce the risk of AMD. Dark leafy greens include kale, collards, and spinach.
The types of fats you take in are also important in preventing macular degeneration. A study done by the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary found that "bad" fats, such as the ones found in processed snack foods, increased the risk of macular degeneration.
Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly albacore tuna and salmon, reduced the risk of AMD. Thus, try to avoid foods like potato chips, French fries, and prepackaged cakes, pies, and cookies. Try instead to eat two or more servings of fish high in Omega-3s a week.
2) Don't Smoke: Many studies, including a 1996 study published in JAMA, showed that men who smoked twenty or more cigarettes a day had an increased risk of developing AMD compared to non-smokers. If you're a smoker, saving your eye-sight is another reason to quit. Even if you don't think you can quit altogether, reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke daily to less than twenty may help reduce your risk of AMD, though quitting altogether is preferable.
3) Schedule Routine Eye Exams: Since the damage of AMD cannot be reversed, it's important for the condition to be caught early so that treatment can begin. All adults over the age of forty should have an eye exam at least every two years. Adults over the age of sixty should have a yearly eye exam. These exams should be comprehensive, dilated eye exams performed by an ophthalmologist. A skilled ophthalmologist will be able to catch AMD in its earliest stages.
It may be hard to pass up that bag of chips or another cigarette, especially when your eyesight doesn't seem currently threatened. But if you work to keep yourself healthy now, your eyes will stay healthy later.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, a part of the eye's retina that provides central vision. Central vision refers to the sharp, focused kind of vision that allows you to see objects clearly. It's necessary for many daily-living tasks, including driving and reading.
Since the damage caused by macular degeneration cannot be undone, it pays to take steps to prevent macular degeneration. Here are three research-proven steps that can help prevent the onset of AMD:
1) Eat Well: We all know that our diet plays a big part in the condition of our overall health, and the health of our eyes is no exception. According to amdalliance.org, research has shown that eating a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens, can reduce the risk of AMD. Dark leafy greens include kale, collards, and spinach.
The types of fats you take in are also important in preventing macular degeneration. A study done by the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary found that "bad" fats, such as the ones found in processed snack foods, increased the risk of macular degeneration.
Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly albacore tuna and salmon, reduced the risk of AMD. Thus, try to avoid foods like potato chips, French fries, and prepackaged cakes, pies, and cookies. Try instead to eat two or more servings of fish high in Omega-3s a week.
2) Don't Smoke: Many studies, including a 1996 study published in JAMA, showed that men who smoked twenty or more cigarettes a day had an increased risk of developing AMD compared to non-smokers. If you're a smoker, saving your eye-sight is another reason to quit. Even if you don't think you can quit altogether, reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke daily to less than twenty may help reduce your risk of AMD, though quitting altogether is preferable.
3) Schedule Routine Eye Exams: Since the damage of AMD cannot be reversed, it's important for the condition to be caught early so that treatment can begin. All adults over the age of forty should have an eye exam at least every two years. Adults over the age of sixty should have a yearly eye exam. These exams should be comprehensive, dilated eye exams performed by an ophthalmologist. A skilled ophthalmologist will be able to catch AMD in its earliest stages.
It may be hard to pass up that bag of chips or another cigarette, especially when your eyesight doesn't seem currently threatened. But if you work to keep yourself healthy now, your eyes will stay healthy later.
If you're over the age of forty and haven't had an eye exam lately, look for a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area and schedule an appointment today.
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