Protect Your Eyes from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

7 Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) continues to be the leading cause of vision loss in seniors and those over 50 years of age. While there is no way to completely eliminate the aging process, there are some things you CAN do to prevent vision loss. The key to preventing vision loss from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is early detection, diagnosis and treatment. There are a number of steps you can take that are helpful in preventing AMD vision loss.

Get Regular Comprehensive Medical Eye Exams. AMD often has no early warning signs, so getting regular comprehensive eye exams is critical in diagnosing and treating this eye disease in its early stages, BEFORE vision loss has occurred. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or increased risk factors get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 which is the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Even if you have obvious eye problems, symptoms or decreased vision, by age 65, it is recommended that you have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years.

Stop Smoking. Many studies now show that smoking increases the risk of developing AMD by two times and the speed at which it progresses!

Eat a Proper Diet. Many studies demonstrate that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nutrient packed foods, such as salmon and nuts, may reduce the risk of AMD. Research also suggests that patients who ate fresh fish, an important source of omega-3s, were at lower risk of developing AMD.

Take the Right Macular Health Vitamins. Vitamins can delay progression of advanced AMD and help people keep their vision longer if they have intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. But make sure it’s the right combination of vitamins! A recent study found that some of the top-selling products do not contain identical ingredient dosages to eye vitamin formulas proven effective in clinical trials. 

Get Regular Exercise. Exercising three times a week can reduce the risk of developing wet AMD by 70 percent. Studies also show that physical activity may lower the odds of both early and late-stages of AMD.

Monitor Vision with an Amsler Grid. This simple, daily routine takes less than one minute and can help people with AMD save more of their vision. Using this grid is essential to finding any vision changes that are not obvious, so you can report them to your eye doctor.

Know Your Family Eye Health History. If you have a close relative with AMD, you have a 50 percent greater chance of developing the condition. You may need more frequent eye exams and specialized testing based on your family history.

Take these simple steps to help prevent Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Begin by making sure you have a comprehensive eye exam at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.