If you’ve been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, it’s imperative that you change your lifestyle. Here are a few tips to help you make the transition and keep your eye’s retina healthy.
Take a zinc supplement. Ask your eye-care professional to recommend the one that is right for you. Zinc, lutein and antioxidants are all found in the retina. Most patients who develop age-related macular degeneration lack these nutrients.
Be sure to monitor vision at home on a daily basis, using an Amsler grid.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dangerous ultra violet rays. Sunglasses should have high UV protection. This prevents damage to the pigment cells of the retina.
Eat lots of green, leafy vegetables such as turnip greens, beet greens, and all types of lettuce, spinach, collard greens and kale.
Get lots of cardiovascular exercise. This will improve the body’s health and improve circulation.
Those who have macular degeneration need to “butt out.” Smoking causes poor circulation and decreases the efficient function of the retina’s blood vessels.
Use halogen lights, especially when reading. These produce less glare and disperse light more evenly than traditional light bulbs.
Use a magnifying glass to read. This makes the print larger so it is more easily seen.
Check out audio or large print books from the local library to save wear and tear on the eyes.
Talk to a specialist in low vision. They’re specifically trained to improve quality of life for patients who have experienced vision loss. They can recommend a wide variety of resources and practical tips to make life easier.
Remember
Macular degeneration is usually associated with age.
Macular degeneration effects central vision.
Smoking increases the risk of macular degeneration.
Use an Amsler grid to monitor vision loss at home.