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| Robert Kelly, M.D. Ophthalmologist, Retina Specialist & Cataract Surgeon |
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 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 Center
for Sight 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight, Google or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently located
at 1565
North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from
Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
