Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affect 14 percent of white Americans that are 80 years of age or older. In comparison, AMD affects only 0.9 percent of blacks, Hispanics, and people that are other races. If you are 80 or older, no matter what race you are, there are things you can do to help protect your eyes from getting this disease, four of which are listed below.
Always Wear Sunglasses
You should always wear sunglasses anytime you go outside. This not only protects your eyes from harmful ultra-violet light (UV) from the sun's rays, but will also protect your eyes from AMD. This is because UV light can damage your cornea, parts of your eye's retina, your lens, and even your eyelids.
Make sure the sunglasses that you wear have a label on them that says they block 100% of UV rays. The glasses should also fit tightly so the sun cannot enter through the top or sides of the glasses. If you are having a hard time finding the right glasses, your eye doctor can prescribe sunglasses to you.
Quit Smoking
If you currently smoke, you need to quit immediately. If you need help doing this, your doctor can prescribe you a medication to help with your cravings. There are also nicotine cessation products on the market, such as nicotine gum and the nicotine patch.
According to studies, smokers are four times more likely to get AMD when compared to non-smokers. There is no way you can protect your eyes if you keep smoking. This is because smoking reduces the blood supply that goes to your eyes due to nicotine and narrows the vessels in your eyes.
Eat Healthy
According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables can lower your chances of getting AMD. Eat some carrots every day, as they are rich in beta carotene, antioxidants, and Vitamin A, which is great for your eye health. Add some oranges, red grapes, mango, and cantaloupe to your diet.
If you have problems eating healthy, talk to your doctor. They can give you supplements to help with this problem. Never take supplements on your own, however, as the doctor will know the best type and how many milligrams you should take daily.
Your eye doctor can give you many more tips on how you can lower your risk of getting AMD. Even though there is no cure for this disease, you can still slow down the progression of it.
Share26 September 2016
