5 Ways to Prevent Macular Degeneration and Blurred Vision

Macular degeneration is a condition that causes blurred vision and eventual blindness for persons aged 60 and above. Unfortunately, the condition does not have a cure. But, you can take steps to prevent macular degeneration.

 

The following factors increase your risk of developing macular degeneration:
 

• Age (persons of 60 years and above)

• Race (macular degeneration is common among Caucasians)

• Smoking

• Genetics and family history

• Cardiovascular disease

• Obesity
  
   

Ways to Prevent Macular Degeneration and Blurred Vision

Stop Smoking

Not smoking is among the top ways to prevent age-related macular degeneration. Public health experts say that people who smoke are four times more likely to develop macular degeneration than those who don’t. Smoking exposes your body to dangerous free radicals that cause cellular damage. The radicals also do not allow nutrients to reach your retina. So, to reduce the risk of acquiring the condition, avoid or quit smoking.

 

Take Up a Healthy Diet

People popularly say that you are what you eat. The foods that you put into your body have a significant impact on your overall health. This is the case for your eyes. Their health depends on what you eat.

 

So, to prevent macular degeneration, take up a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits. The two contain vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that boost your eye health. Some of the best choices are spinach, Swiss chard, peas, kale, and broccoli. High protein foods like milk, cheese, whole-grain cereals, whole-grain bread, beef, pork, and lamb are also good. They have a high amount of zinc.

 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Now that being overweight and obese predisposes you to macular degeneration, the alternative is to maintain a healthy weight. The way to do this is through exercise and diet. If you are overweight, seek a nutritionist’s advice on getting to a healthy weight. Doing so reduces your risk of developing macular degeneration and other chronic conditions like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

 

Take Daily Supplements

Ensure that your diet is nutritious enough to give you a daily supply of minerals and vitamins. If your diet is deficient, consider taking some multivitamins. Vitamins and minerals boost your eyesight. They also reduce the likelihood of vision loss for people with macular degeneration. Some of the important ones are lutein, zinc, copper, vitamins C, vitamin E, and zeaxanthin. The optometrist should advise you on the vitamins to take. Remember that vitamins are not a cure; they only delay the disease’s progression, decreasing its severity.

 

Have Regular Eye Checks

Having regular eye exams, especially for persons of more than 45 years, is crucial. It helps to identify macular degeneration and other silent conditions like glaucoma early enough. It also helps to keep an eye on the progression of the eye disease, and hopefully, slow it.

 

Along with the tips above, catching macular degeneration early may help to slow or prevent it. Get regular eye exams at Eye Care Center to learn your eyes health.

 

Learn more about macular degeneration, contact Eye Care Center in Fridley (763) 308-8440, Maplewood (651) 777-3555, & Maple Grove, MN 763-420-6981.