As we age, our vision naturally declines and our risk of eye disease increases. This includes age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that commonly occurs in patients. Over 50 years old.
AMD is one of the main causes loss of vision According to the Macular Degeneration Foundation of America, it occurs in adults over the age of 60 and affects millions of Americans.
This condition impairs a person’s ability to read, drive, and recognize faces. Because there is no cure for AMD, experts advocate early detection and prevention.
Doctor warns of two simple food mistakes that increase risk of chronic disease
In more advanced stages of AMD, patients may notice wavy lines, dark spots in their vision, or blurred central vision, says Dr. Vaidehi Dedania, an ophthalmologist at New York University Langone Health.
Vision loss can be particularly difficult For the elderlyBecause vision problems can lead to increased falls, decreased mobility and loss of independence, doctors told FOX News Digital.
“We are moving toward a world where we can not just react to vision loss, but take steps to stop it and delay what was previously inevitable for many patients,” Dedania said.
The main risk factors for age-related macular degeneration are: genetics and agingexperts shared the following five lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk and severity of the disease.
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Smoking is a major risk factor for AMD and can have a “significant impact” on the risk of vision loss, Dedania said.
“Oxidative stress from smoking can have a significant impact on retinal cells, which increases the risk of macular deterioration,” she told Fox News Digital. This habit may speed up the progression of AMD and may also reduce symptoms. effectiveness of treatment.
“We strongly encourage people who smoke to: quit smokingEspecially if you have a family member with this condition,” the expert told Fox News Digital.
He noted that people who quit smoking 20 years ago may have a similar risk level as someone whose risk is primarily based on age and genetics. “That’s why it’s so important to quit as soon as possible.”
A healthy diet can influence the progression of any disease, including AMD.
high content diet processed foodSugar and fat are associated with macular degeneration due to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of California, Davis.
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“These are things that are still being studied, but we know without a doubt that our diet influences the risk of macular degeneration and the progression of macular degeneration,” Dedania told FOX News Digital.
She recommends adding more leafy greens and maintaining a balanced diet to support a healthy gut microbiome. Especially she mediterranean diet.
Certain supplements may reduce your risk of AMD. In particular, AREDS2 is a specific combination of vitamins and minerals used in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2.
in clinical trialAccording to the National Eye Institute, AREDS2 formula has been shown to help slow the progression of AMD in people who are in the middle or late stages.
“Patients can take these supplements early on, but the data to actually show that they are effective is only after they have already reached the intermediate stages,” Dedania pointed out.
Doctors say taking supplements very early on may not have a big impact on risk, but as long as patients don’t double their vitamin intake, it’s safe to start any time.
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Dedania said that the initial formulation of AREDS (without the “2”) contained beta-carotene; lung cancer among smokers.
“Be sure to find a supplement that contains AREDS2 and use it,” she advised.
Regular exercise is another pillar of good health that can help slow the progression of disease.
“Exercise is about overall balance. healthy lifestyle” Dedania said.
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“We know that exercise also reduces oxidative stress, and these are what we aim for. overall sense of well-being —But there are also studies showing it is beneficial in terms of the risk of progressive disease in patients with macular degeneration. ”
Seeing your eye doctor for regular check-ups can be the key to catching problems before it’s too late.
With AMD, patients usually do not develop symptoms until they reach the middle or advanced stages of the disease. “Patients may have macular degeneration, but they don’t know it,” Dedania says.
The ophthalmologist reiterated that the disease is not frequently seen in patients under 50 years of age, and the signs are often not detected in patients over 60 years of age.
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“For patients over the age of 50, it is important to have general health. eye examination And educate yourself about whether someone in your family has macular degeneration,” she advised.
