Protect your aging eyes from macular degeneration

FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) – Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an incurable eye disease that affects millions of older Americans, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your age. risk: a vision says the expert.

AMD causes blurred central vision due to lesions of the macula, a small area located at the back of the eye, and is more common after the age of 60, according to the US National Eye Institute.

AMD is also more common in women and whites, and patients at risk should have regular eye exams, "said Dr. Julie Rosenthal, a retina specialist at the University of Michigan's Kellogg Eye Center.

She said that people can do several things to help slow down or eventually prevent AMD. If you smoke, try to stop. Smoking can double the risk of AMD.

Find out if you have a family history of the disease. People with a first-degree relative with AMD have a much greater risk of developing it. If you have a family history of the disease, watch for potential symptoms, such as difficulty recognizing faces, struggling to adjust to dim light, and seeing straight lines that appear wavy.

Eat lots of spinach, kale, chard and other leafy vegetables rich in antioxidant vitamins that help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to diseases of the body. eyes, according to Rosenthal.

If you have a bad diet, consider taking multivitamins. People at risk of advanced AMD should ask their doctor for a specialized mix of supplements called AREDS. This is "not a cure or cure, but may decrease your risk of contracting the most severe forms of AMD," said Rosenthal in a press release issued by a university.

When outdoors, wear sunglbades that provide protection from UV rays and blue light, which can cause retinal damage. Sunglbades with the "UV 400" label are recommended by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

Maintain healthy blood pressure and weight. Poor blood circulation due to high blood pressure can limit blood flow to the eyes, thus contributing to AMD. Losing weight is a proven way to lower blood pressure.

Use a tool called Amsler grid to check for vision problems related to macular damage. When you look at the grid, if you notice that the central part of your vision in one eye has become darker or the grid lines are wavy, call your doctor, said Rosenthal. Keep the rack in a place that reminds you to use it daily.

More information

The US National Eye Institute has more about age-related macular degeneration.