As the leading cause of vision loss among adults of 70, macular degeneration is worth preventing. Thankfully, with a few healthy habits (and regular eye doctor appointments to catch early warning signs), you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this prevalent eye condition. In the long run, this can help preserve your vision in every stage of life.
The key healthy habits for preventing macular degeneration include:
Eating Your Leafy Greens
A healthy, well-rounded diet can support the health of your macula. More specifically, the macula benefits from a diet that’s rich in lutein.
Lutein is an organic pigment, known as a carotenoid, that’s similar to vitamin A and beta-carotene. It supports the health of the macula by preventing free radical damage and protecting the eye tissues. According to clinical studies, lutein can improve and prevent age-related macular disease.
Key dietary sources of lutein include:
- Leafy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce, parsley, and broccoli
- Peas
- Egg yolks
- Corn
- Durum wheat
- Oranges
- Honeydew melon
- Red peppers
- Kiwis3456
- Grapes
- Squash
Lutein can also be taken as a supplement. The recommended dose is 20mg per day.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is known to increase the risk of various eye conditions, including macular degeneration. In fact, cigarette smokers are up to 6 to 8 times more likely to get age-related macular degeneration than non-smokers. With this in mind, quitting smoking is one of the best things that you can do for your vision.
Dr. Ahad Mahootchi at The Eye Clinic of Florida has extensive experience in treating wet and dry macular generation. Early intervention is key to limiting vision loss and preserving the health of your eyes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!