Eyes on the Future
There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but there are strategies for macular generation prevention that you can implement to significantly reduce your risk of developing severe vision loss.
Macular Degeneration Prevention
1. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
- Leafy greens and vegetables. Foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin, such as spinach, kale and broccoli, support macular health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Found in fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, omega-3s can help protect the retina.
- Antioxidants and vitamins. Foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc and beta-carotene, such as oranges, nuts, seeds and carrots, can lower the risk of AMD progression.
- Avoid processed foods. Limit foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats, as they can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress.
2. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for macular degeneration. It reduces blood flow to the eyes and increases oxidative stress, accelerating damage to the macula. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk.
3. Protect Your Eyes from UV Light
Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, which may contribute to macular degeneration.
4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity improves blood flow, including to the eyes, which helps maintain retinal health.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol. High blood pressure and cholesterol can damage blood vessels in the eyes, increasing the risk of macular degeneration.
- Manage weight. Obesity is linked to a higher risk of macular degeneration progression.
5. Use Proper Lighting
Reduce eye strain by using adequate lighting when reading or working. Blue light from screens can also harm the eyes, so consider using blue-light-blocking glasses or reducing screen time.
6. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye exams help detect macular degeneration early, allowing for timely interventions. Comprehensive exams are especially important if you have a family history of macular degeneration.
7. Consider Supplements
For those at risk of advanced macular degeneration, doctors may recommend AREDS2 supplements, which contain a blend of vitamins and minerals proven to slow progression.
8. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to nutritional deficiencies and oxidative stress, increasing macular degeneration risk.
9. Monitor Eye Health
Pay attention to changes in vision, such as difficulty reading or seeing fine details, and seek medical advice promptly.
Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Symptoms of macular degeneration depend on the stage of the disease and include:
- Early dry macular degeneration. There are no symptoms in early-stage dry macular degeneration.
- Intermediate dry macular degeneration. In some cases, there are no symptoms in the intermediate stage of dry macular degeneration. In other cases, mild symptoms include blurry central vision and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
- Late dry and wet macular degeneration. Most people notice that straight lines look wavy in the late stage of both dry and wet macular degeneration. There may also be an area of central vision blurriness that may get larger over time, and you may have blank spots in your vision. The brightness of colors may also dim over time, and you may have difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
If you notice wavy lines in your vision, it’s important to speak to your eye specialist immediately. This is one of the warning signs for late-stage macular degeneration.