5 Ways to Prevent Macular Degeneration and Blurred Vision

If caught early, the progression of macular degeneration and the associated blurred vision can be stopped or slowed. But, prevention may prove more effective in keeping the disease off.

Macular degeneration is a condition caused by erosion and thinning of the macular. The macular is the part of your retina responsible for your central vision. It carries many light-sensitive cells. Hence, when the macular erodes, your vision becomes blurry, and you could lose your sight completely.

There is yet to be a cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But, there are ways you can prevent it or reduce its severity when it occurs, including:

Embrace a Healthy Diet

Dieticians often say that people are what they eat. This is to say that the food you eat affects almost every aspect of you, including your health. So, to prevent macular degeneration, you must choose a diet that will give you the best fighting chance against illnesses. Let your food have plenty of vegetables and fruits. These contain essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that boost eye health. Opt for dark green veggies like kale, spinach, chard, broccoli, and collard greens. Veggies like lettuce have very little nutrient content.

Take Supplements

People whose diets are deficient in nutrients and vitamins should supplement them with multivitamins. Some vitamins lower your risk of losing your vision and boost your eye health. For example, vitamin E and C, lutein, zinc, copper, and zeaxanthin boost your eye health. But, you must first consult with a doctor to avoid overdoing it. For example, taking a dose higher than 500 mg of vitamin E is not safe. So, let the doctor plan your vitamin dosage.

For persons who are at risk of developing macular degeneration, there’s a unique blend of supplements called AREDS. It reduces the likelihood of developing various forms of AMD and lowers their severity if they occur.

Get to a Healthy Weight

Research indicates that people with a healthy weight don’t develop macular degeneration very often. If you are overweight, exercising and dieting may help you get to your ideal weight. Doing so also lessens your likelihood of developing lifestyle diseases like diabetes.

Quit Smoking

Smoking heightens your risks of developing macular degeneration. It introduces dangerous free radicals and unstable molecules that cause cellular damage. Smoking also causes vasoconstriction, reducing the flow of blood to your eyes. The lesser the blood flow, the lesser the oxygen and nutrients supply to your eyes. Smoking makes your eyes sick. So, quit the habit now.

Have Regular Eye Exams

Having routine dilated pupil eye exams is a prevention strategy in itself. Persons between 45 and 59 years need to have the exam every two years. After getting to 60 years, have the exam at least once every year. The eye doctor checks to ensure that your eyes are healthy and notes any early signs of AMD. If the condition has set in, the doctor starts you on treatment.

Macular degeneration is a severe eye condition that compromises your vision. It causes you to have blurry vision and eventual blindness. But, you can make an effort to prevent or slow it. Regular eye tests remain key among the prevention tips.

Learn more about how to prevent & protect against macular degeneration, contact Maple Eye and Laser Center in White Plains, NY at (914) 948-5157.