Macular Degeneration Risk Factors
You may be at risk for developing macular degeneration, like my husband who has a strong family history, but there is plenty of research that tells us we can help delay or prevent the development of this loss of central vision by certain lifestyle and dietary choices.
Macular Degeneration RiskFind out if you are at higher risk for age related macular degeneration ... and just as important find out what you can do to reduce your risk.Family History
Family history is the macular degeneration risk factor that has concerned us the most. My husband's father and all of his father's siblings had macular degeneration.
That means my husband has a 50% life time risk of developing this eye disease and our children and grandchildren are at greater risk for developing it as well.
Aging - Age Related Macular DegenerationIt is called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) because as we age our risk increases. The macular degeneration risk increases to 30% for those between the ages of 75-85 years old.Blue or Light Colored Eyes
Macular degeneration is more common in those with blue eyes. This is probably due to the fact that they have less
pigment
to protect their eyes from the damaging affects of free radicals caused by sunlight. To read more about macular pigment click here:
Macular Pigment
Smoking Macular DegenerationSmoking is the single most controllable risk factor that contributes to the development of macular degeneration.
There are several studies that confirm smoking contributes to the cause of macular degeneration. If you are a smoker - quit. To read more about the impact of smoking on macular degeneration click here:
Smoking and Macular Degeneration
Sunlight - Sunglasses Macular Degeneration
Exposure to several hours of sunlight each day greatly increases our macular degeneration risk.
When you are outside, wear 100% UV protected sunglasses as well as a hat or visor to protect your eyes. To read more about sunglasses and macular degeneration click here: Sunglasses Macular Degeneration
Diet Low in Leafy Greens
We have been incorporating alot more spinach salads since we have found out how important dark leafy greens are in reducing the risk of macular degeneration.
The best greens to eat are kale or collard greens. If you want to start making some positive changes in your diet please click here:
Macular Degeneration Diet
Diet High in Omega-6 Fatty Acids
It is imporatant to incorporate healthy
omega-3 fatty acids
in our diet, but just as important, we must reduce the amount of omega-6 fatty acids and unhealthy fats that we eat.
The ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s is critical, because they compete with each other in our bodies. So not only do we need to incorporate healthy fat, we need to eliminate the unhealthy fats as well. Click here to read more:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
High Blood PressureHigh blood pressure or hypertension, is another risk factor for macular degeneration. It is important that your hypertension is treated and under control to help prevent you from developing macular degeneration.To learn more about blood pressure readings click here:
Blood Pressure Readings
Search this site by typing in a keyword and the results will be displayed below: Loading Go from Macular Degeneration Risk Factors to Macular Degeneration Home Page Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN Would you like to be updated on: The Latest Macular Degeneration Clinical Trials? 
√ Clinical Trials?√ Prevention of Macular Degeneration? √ Tips for Daily Living? √ Food Suggestions for a Macular Degeneration Diet? √ Ideas on Visual Aids to Maximize your Sight? If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my monthly Macular Degeneration News.
|
