Smoking is a leading contributor to severe vision loss from AMD.
It speeds the progression of the disease by as much as five-fold compared to non-smokers.
Smoking also makes treatments less effective by increasing the level ofoxidantsin the bloodstream and eyes.
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Smoking cessationis arguably the number one modifiable risk factor for people with AMD.
Studies have shown that the use ofbeta-blockers,angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
This effect seems stronger when antihypertensive drugs are used in combination rather than on their own.
In addition to antihypertensive medications, there are lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce blood pressure as well.
These include weight loss and routine exercise, particularly in people who are overweight or obese.
An informed weight loss plan should always involve balanced nutrition.
Quitting cigarettes can also significantly reduce blood pressure.
Increase Antioxidants in Your Diet
Antioxidantsare substances that prevent or slow damage to cells caused byfree radicals.
Antioxidants reduceoxidative stressby “donating” electrons to free radicals, leaving normal cells untouched.
It has been proposed that a diet rich in antioxidant foods can help minimize macular degeneration in some people.
These include foods that are high incarotenoidslikeluteinandzeaxanthinas well asflavonoidslikeanthocyanin.
Take a Daily Supplement
Foods are not the only sources of antioxidants beneficial to people with AMD.
Cut Back on Carbs
Eating fewersimple carbohydratesmay help slow or stop the progression of AMD.
These dramatic fluctuations trigger extremeinflammationthroughout the body, which can remain chronic if simple carbs are eaten regularly.
By contrast, eating a low GI diet confers a lower risk of AMD and AMD progression.
Switching from simple carbs tocomplex carbohydratesis one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of AMD.
Complex carbs are rich infiberand are metabolized more slowly in the intestines, avoiding extremefluctuations in blood sugar levels.
The GI index is measured on a scale of 0 to 100.
A GI score of less than 55 is considered to be low GI.
A score higher than 70 is considered high GI.
Another one of the most harmful bands of light on the visible spectrum isblue light.
Blue light is emitted from both the sun and electronic devices like computers and digital TVs.
Eye exams can also look for any deterioration in your vision if you have AMD.
One way to tell if you need an eye exam is to perform a self-help test called theAmsler grid.
Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that is as much influenced by lifestyle as your underlying genetics.
As such, the choices you make and the habits you form can greatly alter your risk of AMD.
All of these things are beneficial to your health whether you have AMD or not.
If you do have AMD, these simple changes can go a long way toward preventing disease complications.
2013;2013:895147. doi:10.1155/2013/895147
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Smoking cessation: Fast facts.
2019 Oct [Online ahead of print].
