How to Manage Macular Degeneration

The risk of Macular Degeneration increases with age.

Age related Macular Degenerated (AMD) occurs most often in elderly individuals and the first symptom is usually blurriness in the center of their field of vision. Two types of Macular Degeneration exist; a wet form and a dry form; although they are similar in the vision problems they cause, the wet form is more severe.

Instructions

1. Visit an Ophthalmologist at least once a year to determine any changes to your vision. Where there is no medical cure for Macular Degeneration, there are many treatments that show promise and the earlier the diagnosis, the sooner treatment may begin.

2. Quit smoking. A study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology determined that smoking puts you at a much higher risk of developing AMD. In addition, those who live with a smoker are at an increased risk.

3. Diet and exercise. If you have Macular Degeneration, your risk of developing an advanced form of the disease doubles when you’re overweight. However, the Archives of Ophthalmology reported that routine exercise, at least three times a week, greatly lowers the risk of developing the advanced form of the disease.

4. Notify your doctor before taking anti-psychotic drugs if you have signs of the beginning stages of Macular Degeneration. Such medications may increase the progression and the severity of the disease.

5. Supplement your diet with nutritional supplements because they may decrease the progression of AMD. Popular nutritional supplements that show promise are lutein, zeaxanthin and antioxidants, such as Vitamins E, A and C. In addition, Vitamin B6 and folic acid help slow the disease’s progression.

6. Eat foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, yams, apricots and dark green leafy vegetables.

7. Schedule acupuncture as an alternative method of managing your Macular Degeneration. Although there is insufficient evidence that acupuncture is successful as a treatment, the practice has many loyal advocates.