You must have heard of macular degeneration, a common eye disease that mostly affects older adults. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this condition, which is why so many people around the world are living with it. Though there is no cure for macular degeneration, the good news is that it can be easily avoided.
So, if you are thinking "ho,w How do you protect yourself from macular degeneration and protect your vision, keep reading. Today, we will share helpful tips that you can follow to protect your vision for a long time. Let's get into the details without any further delay!
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp and central vision. Macular deterioration causes blurry vision and, after some time, leads to complete vision loss. Wet and dry are the two types of macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is the most common form. Wet macular degeneration is less common, but it is very dangerous.
Macular degeneration is often caused by natural factors like aging and genetics, which we can't control. However, there are some ways to avoid macular degeneration. Like many others, you also wish to avoid Macular Degeneration, so here are some tips. So, get to know these tips, follow them, and avoid macular degeneration:
Smoking is one of the major factors that play a key role in macular degeneration development. The harmful chemicals present in cigarettes can damage blood vessels in the eyes. These damaged blood vessels can speed up the progress of the disease. Quitting smoking will help you a lot. Many people have reported that their vision has improved after stopping smoking and changing their lifestyle. If you are a smoker and scared of getting macular degeneration, you should stop smoking to protect your vision.
Macular degeneration can run in families, and people with 15 to 20 percent of age-related macular degeneration have at least one family member (parents or siblings) with this condition. Therefore, knowing if your relatives have had the condition is very important. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, you are more likely to develop it yourself. However, the good thing is that you can avoid macular degeneration with a few changes in your habits and lifestyle. For example, you can adopt a healthy lifestyle. If you already have a history of macular degeneration, regular check-ups can help protect your vision.
Different vitamins and supplements play a key role in vision protection, and you can add them to your diet to avoid macular degeneration. Research also says that the regular consumption of vitamins can slow the development of macular degeneration. So, make supplements an essential part of your diet. But, ensure those supplements have vitamins like vitamins C and E and minerals like zinc, lutein, and many more. Aside from age, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the eyes cause macular degeneration. The supplements will also help you combat these problems. But, before taking the supplements, dont forget to consult your doctor.
One of the easiest ways to avoid macular degeneration is to wear glasses. Your eyes are exposed to harmful UV rays coming from the sun and digital screens. Over time, this exposure can damage the macula and cause macular degeneration. Glasses can provide you with the needed protection. According to the studies, wearing glasses that block 100% of UV rays when outdoors is the best option. If you spend a lot of time in front of screens, reduce your screen time. However, if you can't limit your screen time, consider wearing blue-light-blocking glasses to protect your eyes from harmful light.
The best way to avoid eye problems is switching to a healthy diet. A diet with many leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens will give your eyes important nutrients. The leafy greens have lutein and zeaxanthin, the most powerful antioxidants needed for eye health. Therefore, these required nutrients will protect your eyes and help avoid problems like macular degeneration.
High blood pressure can be a cause of macular degeneration. Keeping your blood pressure in check is very important for your overall health, especially your eyes. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes and cause vision problems. Another risk factor is being overweight. Being overweight means having an unhealthy body, and an unhealthy body is more likely to cause health problems, including macular degeneration. So, if you are also overweight, exercise regularly and eat good food. It will help you lose weight and avoid macular degeneration.
Regularly seeing your Doctor is one of the best ways to avoid eye problems. Regular eye exams will also help you detect macular degeneration early, which will help you with treatment options. Your doctor might also suggest vitamins and supplements if you are already at risk (especially if you have a family history). These vitamins will support your eye health and slow the progression or development of the disease.
Macular degeneration can be a serious problem, but there are many steps you can take to protect your vision. For example, by quitting smoking and taking vitamins and supplements, you can reduce the chance of developing eye diseases(macular degeneration). Another good option is living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating good foods, keeping a healthy weight, and exercising. These steps will not only protect your vision but will also benefit your overall health. There is no treatment for macular degeneration, but you can avoid this disease by following the tips shared here.