Age-related macular degeneration: If you're young, it probably doesn't mean that much to you. But it should mean a great deal to you. In fact, if you want to keep your vision healthy—and reduce the chances of developing age-related vision problems—you should start taking care of your eyes right now. How you care for your eyes while you're young can have a direct impact on how healthy your vision remains when you're older. Here are 4 simple things you can do to protect your vision.
Don't Smoke
If you smoke now, you run a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration later. Some studies show that your risk of AMD is tripled if you're a smoker. In addition to AMD, smoking can lead to other vision problems, such as uveitis and cataracts.
Eat Lots of Greens
If your daily diet doesn't contain green leafy vegetables, you need to start adding them. Research shows that eating green leafy vegetables, like kale and spinach, can reduce your chances of developing AMD later in life. Green vegetables contain carotenoids, which protect your eyes from vision damage caused sunlight as it's absorbed through the retina.
Add Fish Oil to Your Diet
Fish contains high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which your eyes need to maintain their health. If you're not eating at least two servings of fish each week or taking supplements containing this nutrient, you could be setting yourself up for AMD later on. Studies show that taking omega-3 fatty acids can improve your vision and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. This is important if your eyes have already started developing the disease.
Watch Your Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that builds up inside your blood vessels. As your cholesterol raises, it can block the blood vessels leading to your eyes. When that happens, your eyes are prevented from receiving the blood flow that they need to stay healthy. If you suffer from high cholesterol, you need to get that under control.
If you're not sure what your cholesterol levels are, speak to your doctor about having your blood tested. If you do have high cholesterol, your optometrist may be able to see the signs by looking at your eye lids. High cholesterol can lead to a fatty buildup around your eyelids. While those deposits will not harm your eyes, they are a visible indicator that your cholesterol is out of control, which will harm your vision.
Now is the time to protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration. The tips provided above will help you keep your eyes healthy longer.
