Macular Degeneration: 6 Tips on How to Prevent and Reverse Age-Related Macular Degeneration

We all have something in common. As time goes by, we get older. Aging has some benefits. For example, as the years progress, we gain more experience and become a little smarter and wiser.

But aging also comes with a long list of effects that range from merely inconvenient to life-altering. Perhaps your memory is not as sharp as it used to be, which is why you are experiencing those dreaded “greater moments.” You may not be able to hear as well as you used to, or you may have aches and pains.

One of the areas that begins to deteriorate as we age is our eyes. If you are over 40 years old, you have probably experienced some vision or other problem, be it nearsightedness, farsightedness, “tired” eyes, watery eyes, or dry eyes. Many of these problems can be controlled with glasses or medicine.

While the types of eye problems listed above are annoying and sometimes inconvenient, what concerns us most are vision problems that are related to blindness. For many of us, the thought of going blind is one of the scariest things about aging. Blindness not only means that we cannot see our loved ones, read a book or watch television, but it also diminishes our independence. Blind people are unable to drive, perform daily household tasks, and have difficulty performing personal care tasks such as dressing, grooming, or preparing food. It’s no wonder why the idea of ​​going blind is so terrifying.

One of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this condition, the retina becomes blocked with debris, affecting your central vision. Central vision is your “straight-line” vision – the kind of vision you need to read, drive, or do whatever kind of activity you need to focus on in front of you. Macular degeneration does not affect your peripheral vision. People with macular degeneration see black spots and wavy lines that blur or distort objects in front of them. Age-related macular degeneration can reduce vision by up to 60 percent and is one of the most common causes of age-related blindness. While we don’t know exactly what causes macular degeneration, we do know that poor blood supply to the eye, oxidation of the retina, and leaky capillaries can all contribute to this condition.

Unfortunately, age-related macular degeneration cannot be treated simply with eye drops or lenses. Because doctors are not sure what causes macular degeneration, there is no medically accepted cure. In fact, if you’ve already been diagnosed with macular degeneration, your doctor has likely told you that there is nothing you can do other than learn to accept the idea that blindness is in your future.

However, you don’t have to accept the fact that you will slowly but surely go blind as a result of age-related macular degeneration. While there are no pills you can take to slow or stop macular degeneration, while eye drops and specialty lenses won’t save your vision, there are things you can do to stop, slow, and even reverse macular degeneration related to macular degeneration. age. What’s more, as additional research is conducted, more and more progressive eye specialists agree that there are steps you can take to maintain or restore your vision in a safe and natural way.

Do you want to stop, delay, or even reverse macular degeneration? The answer is in making new lifestyle decisions. Stopping, slowing down and reversing your macular degeneration is so easy if you follow the 12 easy steps below. These steps are safe and natural, and you have absolutely nothing to lose by trying them. Best of all, these healthy lifestyle choices will not only have a positive impact on your eyes, but will also have a positive impact on your overall health.

Step n. # 1: see your eye doctor

Macular degeneration is not commonly discussed, and many people do not know what it is until it is diagnosed. Be sure to get an eye exam annually and ask your doctor to test you for macular degeneration. To determine if you have macular degeneration, your doctor will ask you to look at a tool called an “Amsler table.” This graph is essentially a grid with a black dot in the middle. If, after focusing on the point in the middle of the graph, you see shaky, uneven, or wavy lines, you are most likely experiencing the early stages of macular degeneration. A dark spot or spot in the center of the graph can also indicate macular degeneration. Your ophthalmologist will characterize your macular degeneration as “wet” or “dry.” “Dry” macular degeneration is the less serious of the two types, accounting for about 90 percent of all macular degeneration cases. Unfortunately, there is no surgery, medicine, gout, or lens that can treat “dry” macular degeneration. Severe “wet” macular degeneration can be treated with last-minute efforts designed to preserve sight for an additional period of time, but these treatments carry significant risk and offer no long-term solution.

Step # 2: Take an Inventory of Prescription Drugs

Some experts believe that aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs can cause retinal bleeding in the blood vessels, which can then develop into macular degeneration. People with high blood pressure are at particular risk of developing retinal blood vessel problems as a result of taking NSAIDs. Other medications that have a negative effect on the retina and can contribute to macular degeneration include Plaquenil and Cortisone. Talk to your doctor about replacement medications if you take any of the above medications.

Step # 3: Protect your eyes from the sun

UV-A and UV-B rays, as well as blue light, cause oxidation in the retina, which contributes to macular degeneration. Investing in a high-quality pair of sunglasses that filter out these dangerous rays, and wearing a hat with a brim will protect your eyes.

Step # 4: Add vitamins, minerals, and supplements to your daily diet.

There are a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and supplements known to contribute to eye health, including vitamins A, C, D, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, magnesium, garlic, zeaxanthin and lutein, selenium, and taurine. , N-acetylcysteine, zinc, hydrochloric acid, coenzyme Q-10, boron, chromium, copper and manganese. The best place to find eye-healthy vitamins and minerals? In your food. But to make sure you’re getting enough of what you need, take a multivitamin that includes most of the above vitamins and minerals, and supplement with anything it doesn’t.

Step # 5: Increase Your Antioxidants and Amino Acids

Since one of the causes of macular degeneration is retinal oxidation, it makes sense that adding antioxidants to your diet can help fight macular degeneration. Lack of antioxidants in the diet can allow free radicals to multiply, causing more blocked capillaries in the retina. Make sure your diet contains plenty of vitamins C and E, quercetin, cranberry, selenium, bioflavonoids, beta-carotene, and ginko biloba. Many amino acids in the form of N-acetylcysteine, L-glutathione, L-glutamine, and L-cysteine ​​are also essential for eye health.

Step # 6: Monitor Your Fat and Cholesterol Intake

According to a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol increase macular degeneration by 80 percent. Stick to monounsaturated fats like olive oil and eat healthy by incorporating natural carbohydrates like beans, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Eating plenty of soy and fish protein, as well as having an alcoholic drink a day if it fits into your lifestyle, can increase your levels of good cholesterol.

For 6 additional tips and a free subscription to the “Healthy Vision” newsletter, visit www.MacularDegenerationAuthority.com