1.Give Up Smoking

In 2006, The British Journal of Ophthalmology presented a study1 showing that smoking TREBLES the risk of late stage Macular Degeneration and that even passive smoking DOUBLES the risk. Even at the age of 90 you can significantly reduce your risk of macular problems by giving up.

2.Eat A Diet Rich In..

These Foods
Asparagus
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Carrots
Eggs
Garden Peas
Kale
Peppers (especially orange and yellow)
Romaine Lettuce
Spinach.

These Nutrients
Beta Carotene (Non Smokers Only2)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Selenium
Lutein
Zeaxanthin

These have all been shown to have a positive effect in slowing the effect of macular damage.

3.Consider a vitamin supplement

If dietary modification is not an option, there are some commercial supplements available containing the above ingredients. Leading brands are ICaps, Ocuvite Preservision and Visionace. Please consult your GP before commencing any supplement program.

4.Attend Regular Eye Examinations

Having your eyes assessed regularly is the only way to ensure the health of your eyes. About 4%/year of non treatable Dry ARMD converts to Wet ARMD for which medical intervention can help. Your Optician may be able to detect early changes which do not elicit symptoms.

5.Test Yourself!

Ask your Optician for instructions on how to use an Amsler grid to monitor changes in your central vision.

1 British Journal of Ophthalmology 2006;90:75-80; Smoking and age related macular degeneration: the number of pack years of cigarette smoking is a major determinant of risk for both geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascularisation
2 Beta Carotene supplements are thought to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=9973

This entry was posted on Friday, January 25th, 2008 at 10:35 pm and is filed under Health, Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.