A survey conducted across America to investigate the people’s most significant health fears found vision loss to be among the top four fears, even higher than the loss of speech and memory. Seeing this, people should then do all they can to keep their eyes healthy and prevent some common eye diseases. Among the most challenging eye ailments is macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration causes vision loss, especially among people aged 60 years and above. The disease occurs when the macula in your eyes starts to thin out and break down. The macula is the retina part that gives you your central vision. It also helps you focus on the fine details like fine print. So, when the macula is destroyed, you lose a considerable portion of your vision.

Although some factors predispose you to AMD, you can take steps to prevent or delay it.

Preventing Macular Degeneration

All aspects of AMD prevention center around your diet and lifestyle. Even if you are not at risk, you may want to take precautions because the disease is common among retirement-age persons.

Exercise Daily

Find a way to exercise every day. Exercise enhances the circulation of oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Increases resources for equal healthy retinas.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, it would be best if you quit the habit now. Smoking damages your vision by causing vasoconstriction, the narrowing of the blood vessels in the eyes. The less the blood supply to your eyes, the more likely they are to get sick. So, avoid smoking at all costs.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Ensure that your diet is made up of more dark green leafy vegetables like chard, collard greens, kale, and spinach. Some greens like lettuce are deficient in nutrients, unlike the dark green veggies. Eat the leafy greens raw, steamed, or cooked. They reduce the likelihood of macular degeneration by up to 50 percent. Green veggies are also good for your brain, heart, and circulatory system. Have a hefty serving of greens every day; it may do you more good than other foods can.

Take Supplements

Ask your doctor to recommend a multivitamin or a fish oil supplement that you can take daily. Fish oil has essential omega-3 fatty acids that boost your eye health.

There is also a unique blend of zinc and antioxidants called the AREDS formulation. Taking a specified high dose of AREDS reduces the risk of developing advanced macular degeneration and possible vision loss. It has been found to slow AMD even for persons in the intermediate and advanced stages.

Have Regular Eye Exams

Have a dilated pupils’ comprehensive eye exam every year to check for AMD and other eye health issues. Also, take note of any vision changes every day. If you notice any changes, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Learn more about how to prevent macular degeneration, contact Advanced Eyecare Center, PC, in Urbandale, IA at (515) 303-4488 to book an appointment.