Macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye condition which gradually destroys central vision and is one of the leading causes of blindness in those aged 50 or above.

Diseased eyes gradually lose sharp, central vision over time. While this does not lead to complete blindness, it may make fine details difficult or impossible to see, driving, and threading needles becomes harder or impossible.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Macular degeneration affects central vision and can make reading, driving and seeing faces or clocks challenging. Although macular degeneration cannot be treated directly, certain steps can help protect against its development by eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting regular eye exams.

Many research studies have demonstrated the ability of eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-dense foods such as antioxidants to slow macular degeneration progression. Antioxidants protect against free radical damage that contributes to macular degeneration; additionally there are dietary supplements containing the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that have been proven to lower risk.

Dry macular degeneration (DMD), the most prevalent form of macular degeneration, occurs through thinning or deterioration of the macula and usually progresses slowly over time without necessarily affecting both eyes evenly. Drusen deposits develop under the retina over time. While these do not always lead to vision loss, those with family histories of AMD, or who develop significant amounts of abnormally leaking blood vessels beneath their retina, may be at increased risk of advanced macular degeneration.

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-dense food should be consumed to help slow or even reverse dry macular degeneration. Leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin for example; other good dietary choices that could benefit eyes include egg yolks, fish such as tuna salmon mackerel walnuts peanuts seeds.

Vitamin C is also vital in protecting eye health. This nutrient can protect them against free radical damage and is found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruit as well as other sources such as kiwis strawberries tomatoes and red peppers.

Get Regular Eye Exams

Most people only think about eye health once symptoms appear or when glasses become necessary, yet it’s vitally important to schedule annual comprehensive dilated eye exams, even if your vision seems normal. Such exams allow early detection of potentially debilitating diseases or conditions that develop gradually over time; their impact can often be lessened or prevented altogether.

AMD is one of the main causes of irreversible blindness among adults aged 60 or above. It occurs when macular degeneration damages retina, at the back of eye. Over time this causes central vision to diminish. Although AMD cannot be reversed once it occurs, taking high levels of antioxidants like vitamins C and E as well as zinc and copper supplements as well as eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish or nuts as well as quitting smoking may help slow its progression and help preserve vision longer.

Eye exams should also be performed regularly as signs of certain diseases can take years before becoming apparent, including glaucoma (known as the “silent thief of sight”) which often does not show symptoms until it has already caused irreparable damage to the optic nerve.

Eye exams typically consist of reviewing the patient’s medical history and any eye disease instances in their family as well as preliminary tests for depth perception, eye muscle movements, peripheral vision and responsiveness to light. Dilated examinations allow your doctor to observe the back of the eye – including macula – where early signs of AMD can be identified such as deposits called drusen which usually do not lead to vision loss but have been linked with advanced AMD development. They can also check for wet AMD, which can rapidly and severely impair vision loss by looking for abnormal blood vessels under retina that leak fluid leakage through these areas – only an dilated exam can detect changes.

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses may seem like just another fashion statement, but they play an integral part in protecting eye health and maintaining clear vision. Sunglasses can prevent progressive eye diseases, reduce glare and protect against injury and other hazards to eye health – the best sunglasses offer UV protection, have polarized lenses and cover all around your eyes for complete coverage.

Sunglasses provide essential eye protection from harmful UV rays that can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea). Quality sunglasses contain lenses specifically designed to filter out UVA and UVB rays that help reduce risks for these conditions.

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, the central portion of your retina, becomes damaged. Over time, this damage leads to blind spots appearing in your field of vision; however, it usually doesn’t cause pain and does not impact peripheral vision loss. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss among those over 50.

Macular degeneration often manifests itself with blurred central vision; straight lines may appear wavy and dark spots may form at the center. This occurs because blood vessels under the macula start leaking fluids that distort its shape, leading to blurring of this portion of your vision.

If you notice signs of macular degeneration, make an appointment to meet with your physician as soon as possible to discuss treatment options and vitamin supplements which can slow the progression. They may suggest vitamin supplements which could slow the process down further.

Macular degeneration prevention requires regular eye exams, especially if you’re at increased risk due to family history. When wearing protective sunglasses year round it is essential that they include UV blocking capabilities – even during winter when sun rays may be strongest. You should talk with family members and make sure everyone in their immediate circle wears protective sunglasses; your doctor can suggest other lifestyle changes to lower risk such as eating leafy green vegetables rich in nutrients or engaging in physical activities that reduce exposure.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and early mortality, but it also poses an immense threat to eye health issues. Smoking increases your risk of cataracts – the leading cause of blindness among adults aged 60+ – by increasing oxidation within your eyes, leading to clouded lenses which obscure vision making it hard or impossible to see clearly. Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop cataracts – this risk increases with age!

Smoking can increase the risk of macular degeneration, an eye disease which leads to blurred and loss of central vision. Macular degeneration affects the center of retina used for close focussing; although noncurable, you can protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and hats with visors outdoors to limit UV radiation that increases your risk of macular degeneration or other eye conditions such as glaucoma.

Smoking is not only associated with eye diseases; it has also been linked to diabetes and other conditions that can severely impair vision. Smoking raises blood pressure, leading to changes in the vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your retina known as diabetic retinopathy which in severe cases can result in permanent blindness. Furthermore, smoking raises your risk for uveitis – inflammation of the middle layer of eye tissue.

If your family history includes AMD, it’s wise to visit your optometrist regularly and implement these preventive tips. While vision may decline with age, significant eye loss should not be part of normal aging processes. Eating healthily, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking all reduce your risk for eye diseases.