Macular Degeneration Prevention Is it Possible?


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Macular degeneration prevention is something we need to think about BEFORE we start having problems. As baby boomers continue to age, vision loss due to macular degeneration is or should be a concern for all who are aging - and isn't that all of us?





Preventing Macular Degeneration

As a baby boomer myself, with a husband who has a strong family history of AMD, we are on a quest to become educated on macular degeneration prevention and the cause of macular degeneration - not only for ourselves but for our children and grandchildren as well.

The question is or should be, can I/we prevent macular degeneration? Many experts think so.

One book that I recently bought and read is Save Your Sight! : Natural Ways to Prevent and Reverse Macular Degeneration.

It is written by two ophthalmologists who have done a great job in explaining that the health of the eye is not separate from the rest of your body... but rather if degeneration or circulation problems are occurring in the eye, they are occurring in the rest of your body as well.

It is a must read if you are interested in being proactive in your macular degeneration prevention. As a nurse, I can tell you that the best thing you can do for macular degeneration prevention is to be an involved, educated patient who is willing to make diet and lifestyle changes to prevent rather than treat macular degeneration.

To become educated read books on this eye condition. Two other excellent resources written by board certified ophthalmologists who are macular degeneration specialists are Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight and Macular Degeneration: A Complete Guide for Patients and Their Families.

Do not wait until you are experiencing symptoms. Take charge of your health NOW so that your concern is macular degeneration prevention and NOT macular degeneration treatment.

Sunglasses CAN Really Make a Difference!


Wearing sunglasses is the first and easiest way to protect your eyes and to prevent eye damage due to UV-A and UV B sunrays.

As you already know the sun's rays can cause damage to the retina and cause cataracts . However, you may be wondering do I have to buy the most expensive sunglasses to get the best protection?

To read more on how choosing the right sunglasses can help you prevent macular degeneration click here: Sun Glasses and Macular Degeneration



Macular Degeneration - Exercise

It is no surprise that what is good for your total body health, is good for your eyes and particularly your retina as well. Exercise has been shown in a study to be effective in macular degeneration prevention. I explain it here: Exercise and Macular Degeneration




Macular Degeneration Diet

What you eat and don't eat is critical to your eye health and especially for your macula and retina. A macular degeneration diet includes:

√ Carbohydrates that are low in glycemic index

√ Fats that are good for you and in the right ratio

√ Proteins that are low in fat and include lots of cold water fish

To read more about the macular degeneration diet click here: Macular Degeneration Diet




Fish Oil Health Benefits to the Eye


When we think of nutritional supplements for eye health, most of us think of foods high in antioxidants, but did you know that eating the right oils can greatly benefit your eye health and play a role in preventing macular degeneration? Click on this link to read more: Fish Oil Health Benefits to the Eyes



Antioxidant Rich Foods


Antioxidants are key players in the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration. There have been and are several clinical trials evaluating and studying the effects of antioxidants in the prevention of macular degeneration.

If you are interested in knowing what you can personally do to reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration learn more about antioxidants by clicking here:
Antioxidant Rich Foods



Macular Degeneration and Lutein

Lutein is a carotenoid that is a powerful antioxidant. This carotenoid helps make up the macular pigment, which protects our eyes from damaging forms of light. The body cannot manufacture it so one must get it through diet or supplementation.

It is found in deep green vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens and in egg yokes, corn, squash and tomatoes.

The 2004 Lutein, Antioxidant Supplementation Trial by Dr. Stuart Richer, OD, PhD, showed that lutein does help prevent age related macular degeneration. To read more about how to get more lutein in your diet click here: Lutein



Zeaxanthin - I Can't Even Pronounce It!


While the lutein is concentrated mostly in the rod cells of your retina, the cone cells , which are responsible for detailed central vision, have a high concentration of zeaxanthin.

Both of these pigments are so prevalent in the macula they are called the macular pigment. The macular pigment provides protection to the retina from the damaging free radicals of sunlight.

Low levels of macular pigment are often found in eyes with age related macular degeneration (AMD) and in those with risk factors for AMD.

Zeaxanthin is actually pronounced like zee-ah-ZAN'-thin. So now that you now how to say it, let's look at why this carotinoid is important for you to know about. Click here to read more: Zeaxanthin



Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
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