Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss for older adults, and it occurs when aging damages the part of the eye that processes what you see directly in front of you. People with AMD have blurry central vision, so this condition can impact daily life significantly.
Creating healthy routines can boost your overall eye health and help maintain your vision. Explore a few ways to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Eat a Healthy Diet
The expression “you are what you eat” highlights food’s critical role in your overall health. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help protect your eyes from AMD.
Vitamins A, C, and E can reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants, fighting free radical damage. Vitamin A is essential in retinal pigment epithelial cells, helping to keep the retina healthy and enabling photoreceptor cells to detect light.
Tip: Drink More Carrot Juice for Vitamin A
One of the impressive health benefits of carrot juice is that it may help enhance vision health thanks to its beta-carotene content. Carrots are rich in the pigment beta-carotene, and our bodies convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. Drink more carrot juice if you want a tasty and convenient way to increase your vitamin A intake.
Quit Smoking
Another way to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration is to quit smoking. Extensive research has established that smoking increases the risk of developing AMD and the rate of its progression. Smokers are three to four times more likely to develop AMD.
Smoking narrows blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the eyes. Smoking also increases the risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions. Use techniques and resources that help you gradually lower your nicotine intake to quit smoking.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Finally, AMD can progress slowly, often with no early warning signs. Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting AMD in its early stages. The earlier a medical professional detects AMD, the better treatment you can receive.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends eye exams every one or two years for people over 65. Comprehensive eye exams allow doctors to detect subtle changes in your vision so they can treat AMD and other eye diseases in the early stages.
Eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and getting an eye exam every one or two years can reduce the risk of developing AMD. Use these tips to prioritize your eye health and quality of life.
