How can macular degeneration be prevented?
-
Dr. Michael Roizen answered:I know how you feel. My peepers are key. First things first, if you smoke, QUIT! Smoking impedes circulation to your eye, reducing the amount of oxygen your eye receives and damaging the delicate and essential blood vessels. For you men out there, if smoking constricts the blood vessels in your eye, it also constricts the blood vessels in an even more important part of your body.
Some other things you might want to write down in your "Mac-Degen-B-Gone" notes:
- DHA: Omega 3 and 600mg DHA per day reduces the risk of macular degeneration and speeds up the relay nerves in your brain – you want to be a fathead.
- Sleep: Get at least 5 hours a day.
- UV: Wear hats and UV protection sunglasses.
- Control: High-blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Eat: Nutritious food rich in green leafy vegetables and fruits that have carotenoids and other compounds that protect your eye (Pop-eye beats Bugs Bunny when it comes to eyes).
- Lutein: Take 6-10 mg if you have macular degeneration or are at risk (reflects UV and blue light and builds eye defenses).
- Stay Up to Date: Get an annual eye exam, and make sure your prescription is current.
I know how you feel. My peepers are key. First things first, if you smoke, QUIT! Smoking impedes circulation to your eye, reducing the amount of oxygen your eye receives and damaging the delicate and essential blood vessels. For you men out there,... More -
Positive lifestyle choices can help prevent macular degeneration. Smoking doubles your risk of macular degeneration, so stopping smoking will help prevent the onset of the disease. Making sure you get the antioxidants A, C, and E as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids either through your diet or supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to treat other diseases that are linked to macular degeneration, such as cardiovascular disease. Regular eye exams are helpful before and after a macular degeneration diagnosis; they ensure early detection and assist in treatment. If you think you are at risk, talking to your doctor about a prevention plan may be a good idea.Positive lifestyle choices can help prevent macular degeneration. Smoking doubles your risk of macular degeneration, so stopping smoking will help prevent the onset of the disease. Making sure you get the antioxidants A, C, and E as well as zinc... More
-
Emilia Klapp answered:Studies show that people who ingest large amounts of fruits and vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and zinc can lessen the risk of this age-related vision disorder. One study conducted by the University of Illinois in Chicago found that a group of about 3,000 older people who ate a carrot a day, for instance, reduced their risk of macular degeneration by 40%. Other foods that are good prevention for this disorder include sweet potatoes, spinach, blueberries, dried apricots, yams, strawberries, citrus fruits, oysters, and roasted turkey.
Studies show that people who ingest large amounts of fruits and vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and zinc can lessen the risk of this age-related vision disorder. One study conducted by the University of Illinois in... More -
Eye examination: In general, individuals older than 45 years should have a complete eye examination and then follow-up examinations every two to four years. Individuals with age-related macular degeneration should check their vision daily (using an Amsler grid) and notify their eye doctor of any changes in their vision.Multivitamin: Antioxidants, along with vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and lutein, are essential nutrients found in the retina. Research called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) reported that a daily supplement of 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 international units (I.U.) of vitamin E, 15 milligrams of beta-carotene, 80 milligrams of zinc (as zinc oxide) and 2 milligrams of copper (as cupric oxide) reduced the risk of progressing to moderate or severe vision loss by up to 25%. For people with moderate to advanced macular degeneration, the findings from AREDS indicate that taking high doses of zinc, beta carotene, and vitamins C and E is effective in reducing the risk of further vision loss.
Diet: Eating more dark, leafy green vegetables and brightly colored vegetables, along with eating more fruits such as blueberries and cherries, helps increase antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are important in eye health. Eating more fish provides the body with omega-3 fatty acids, essential for healthy development of nerves and tissues.
Eye protection: Always protect the eyes with sunglasses that have ultraviolet (UV) protection. Ultraviolet rays are believed to cause damage to the pigment cells in the retina.
Smoking cessation: Stopping smoking can decrease the development and progression of macular degeneration. Smoking impairs the body's circulation, decreasing the efficiency of the retinal blood vessels.
Exercise: Cardiovascular exercise improves the body's overall health and increases the efficiency of the circulatory system. Physical activity like brisk walking, jogging, or bicycling, long enough to work up a sweat when performed regularly (more than three times a week), reduces the rate of progression to advanced macular degeneration by 25%. Individuals with health conditions should talk with their doctor before starting an exercise program.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Eye examination: In general, individuals older than 45 years should have a complete eye examination and then follow-up examinations every two to four years. Individuals with age-related macular degeneration should check their vision daily (using... More
