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Macular Degeneration: Can you prevent it?

Just like with any other disease that is incurable and irreversible, the first question people ask when they hear about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is “Can I prevent it?”

We’re relieved to say that, YES, although there is no current cure once you begin showing signs of AMD, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disease.

Below are a few steps you can take to prevent or slow the progression of Macular Degeneration. All of these steps promote a healthy lifestyle and should be followed by everyone, but those with a family history of AMD should be especially active in taking these actions as it is a major risk factor for developing the condition. 

Quit Smoking

If you’re still smoking in 2020, we don’t need to tell you that the harmful habit makes you vulnerable to major health risks across the board. 

Smokers are up to four times more likely than nonsmokers to develop Macular Degeneration, public health experts at the University of Manchester said in a British Medical Journal report. 

Hopefully, preventing AMD is just one more reason for you to put down the pack sooner rather than later.

Eat An Eye-Healthy Diet

Leading a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of various eye health problems including AMD. 

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), found that certain nutrients— zinc, copper, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene — may reduce the risk of age-related decline in eye health by 25 percent.

Fish, fruit, and nuts are three major examples of foods that are a must if you are looking for a good source of eye-healthy nutrients.

Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and collards are also eye healthy diet musts that are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. A study published by researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary reported that people who consumed the most vegetables rich in lutein and zeaxanthin had a 43 percent lower risk of AMD than those who ate these foods the least.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can cut the likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration by 70%, suggests research published ahead of print in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

This is because regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight while controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels. High blood pressure and cholesterol have been linked to developing advanced forms of AMD.

Block Out Harmful Blue Light

Not all blue light is harmful to our retina. In fact, it’s important to experience the positive benefits of the blue light we get naturally from the sun such as a regulated sleep-wake cycle and an increase in happiness. However, high-energy harmful blue light plays a major role in aggravating Macular Degeneration, which is why many choose to use protective glasses and blue light safe lightingand technology to help slow down the progression of MD.

Dr. Lite is the first and only company to offer a medical-grade, doctor-recommended line of products designed to keep eyes happy and healthy, by reducing harmful blue light exposure, while retaining beneficial blue light rays. Our lamp offers the most balanced spectrum of lighting for high-quality colors and contrast because there is beautiful, beneficial blue left in it.

Schedule An Eye Exam

Most eye care professionals agree that everyone should have a comprehensive eye exam every few years whether or not they have any known eye health problems. Depending on your age, risk factors and whether or not you currently wear eyeglasses, you likely need to go even more often than this. 

A regular eye exam can help you stay healthy by detecting problems and changes before they start. If your doctor does become aware of any signs of AMD, they will make sure you receive proper treatment and are taking the proper measures to slow down the progression of the disease. 

While the causes of Age-related Macular Degeneration are complex, we know that being over the age of 60 and having a family history of AMD play a major role in someone’s likelihood of developing the condition. 

The good news is that several of the risk factors of AMD are completely controllable. Setting clear goals for your eye healthand following the steps for prevention above is essential in lowering your chances of developing this unrecoverable disease! 

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