Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common vision problem affecting people over the age of 40. The macula starts deteriorating over time, affecting one’s vision. You may find that you now need glasses, or that you have to hold text further or closer away from the eyes in order to see it.
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in America, and the numbers are expected to rise as the population continues to age. The number of AMD cases is expected to hit 5.44 million by 2050.
There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry AMD is a gradual vision loss as a result of thinning macular tissue. It is characterized by the present of yellow deposits, known as drusen, in the macula. Wet AMD is far worse than dry AMD. Wet macular degeneration takes place when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood into the macula. As a result, patients may see spots in the center of their field of vision or they may notice that straight lines appear wavy since the macula isn’t smooth anymore. It is also worth noting that dry macular degeneration can progress into wet macular degeneration.
Home remedies to manage age-related macular degeneration
Here are some diet tips for age-related macular degeneration prevention.
- Eat plenty of dark, leafy greens
- Take a multivitamin as advised by your doctor
- Eat more fish
- Eat fruits and nuts daily
- Limit your intake of refined carbohydrates
- Limit your fat intake
Here is a list of specific foods you can incorporate into your AMD prevention diet.
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Green peas
- Pumpkin
- Carrots
- Swiss chard
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Oranges
- Tangerines
- Tomatoes
- Mangoes
- Avocado
- Grapefruit
- Papaya
- Cantaloupe
- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Soymilk
- Wheat germ
- Crab
- Lamb
- Whole wheat flour
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Trout
These foods will equip your eyes with the nutrients they need to maintain healthy vision.
Tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration
Here are a few steps you can take to support healthy vision:
- Don’t smoke
- Manage other medical conditions such diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure
- Exercise and maintain a healthy weight
- Go for regular eye exams
- Use magnifiers when necessary
- Use brighter lights in your home
Other tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration include wearing sunglasses especially those that offer UV and blue light protection, and going for an eye exam annually to spot any changes to your vision.
Sticking to an AMD prevention diet along and following these tips can help you better prevent age-related macular degeneration which does not have to be an inevitable part of getting older.
Related: Prevent age-related macular degeneration naturally with diet and nutrition