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Is there any
way to prevent AMD?
While
research supported by Retina International and other private and government
agencies worldwide is adding to new understandings of AMD, at present there
is no known method of preventing its occurrence. However, there are studies
that suggest that adjustments in lifestyle may help reduce the risk of
developing AMD. Some of these include:
- Researchers found that people who consumed the
highest quantity of spinach, collard greens and other dark green leafy
vegetables foods that are rich in carotenoids - were less likely to have
the advanced form of Macular Degeneration, compared with people in the
study who ate the least amounts of these foods. The findings also
suggest that people should not rely on vitamin supplements as their main
source for vitamins, minerals and nutrients, but instead should eat a
balanced diet that includes a wide range of vegetables.
- The AREDS study to test the effect of Vitamin,
mineral and anti-oxidant supplementation showed a significant
ameliorating effect on patients
at great risk for Wet AMD.
- Avoiding intense, bright sunlight may help to
reduce the retinal degeneration due to AMD. Good quality sunglasses,
hats and visors can help people to protect their eyes from the sun.
- Cigarette smoking is now universally accepted
to dramatically increase the risk of developing AMD. It is recommended
that persons stop smoking to decrease their chance of developing AMD.
Regular eye
exams may allow for early diagnosis of AMD. Individuals at risk - for
example, those with degenerative vision loss in one eye, soft drusen, or
positive family history - should have regular eye examinations by an eye care
professional after the age of 50 and self-monitor their vision daily with the
use of an Amsler grid. Without self-monitoring, a person may not realize his
or her vision is impaired until the disease has reached advanced stages.
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