Ways to Prevent Macular Degeneration

By Robin Westen

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for people over 55, and it affects more than 10 million Americans. The condition is incurable once you have it, but preventing macular degeneration is possible if you follow these guidelines.

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Eat Lots of Dark, Leafy Greens Just a half cup of raw spinach three times a week will do it. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary reported that people who consumed the most vegetables rich in carotenoids had a 43 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who ate these foods the least. Carotenoid-rich vegetables include dark, leafy greens, especially raw spinach, kale and collard greens.

Take Multivitamins & Minerals It may be difficult to obtain all the nutrients you need from food alone. Taking vitamins and minerals in the form of nutritional supplements may be a good idea for many reasons, including general eye health.

Go Fish A study at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary showed that senior men with the highest levels of fish consumption (more than two servings weekly) were 45 percent less likely to have macular degeneration than those who ate the least amount of fish (less than one serving per week).

Opt for Fruits and Nuts A study at Harvard Medical School showed that participants who ate three or more servings of fruit daily had a substantially lower risk of "wet" or advanced macular degeneration. Another study from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary demonstrated that eating nuts helped deter progression of early or intermediate to more advanced stages of the disease.

Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Some evidence indicates that controlling cholesterol can protect you from macular degeneration. Plus, investigations, including the Framingham Heart and Eye Studies and Beaver Dam Eye Study, indicate a significant link between high blood pressure and development of advanced, potentially blinding forms of macular degeneration

wear UV & Blue Light Protection Sunglasses Major studies show no conclusive evidence that overexposure to the sun directly causes macular degeneration. But some findings suggest at least an association between macular degeneration and cumulative eye damage from overexposure to both UV and high energy visible (HEV) or "blue" light.

Don't Smoke Smokers are up to four times more likely than non-smokers to have macular degeneration, according to public health experts at the University of Manchester and reported in the British Medical Journal report.

Have Regular Eye Exams The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a dilated eye exam at least every two to three years if you're between 45 and 60 and every year after the age of 60.

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