Changing your morning routine could reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the name given to a group of retinal eye diseases that cause progressive loss of central vision. Affecting one’s the ability to read, drive, recognise faces and perform activities that require detailed vision, Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness and severe vision loss in Australia, responsible for 50% of all cases of blindness.
A new released Australian study has sown that people who eat 2-4 eggs per week versus those who eat less than one egg per week had 49 per cent reduced risk of developing late AMD after 15 years.
While it is not possible to change your family history or age, it is possible to reduce the risk of macular degeneration or slow progression of this by making positive diet and lifestyle changes.
Eggs_AMD
Wet Macular Degeneration – Generally caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood into the macula
Dry Macular Degeneration – causes blurred or reduced central vision, due to thinning of the macula – more common out of the two
– Age : 1/3 of adults over 75 are affected by AMD.
– Smoking : Because the retina has a high rate of oxygen consumption, anything that affects oxygen delivery to the retina may affect vision. Smoking causes oxidative damage, which may contribute to the progression of AMD.
– Family history of AMD – Prolonged Sun Exposure
– Diet : People with diets that are elevated in fat, cholesterol and high glycemic index foods, and low in antioxidants and green leafy vegetables may be more likely to develop AMD.
– Obesity and High Blood Pressure Tips for Preventing AMD:
– Maintain a healthy weight and eat a nutritious diet that includes green leafy vegetables, yellow and orange fruit, fish and whole grains.
– Don’t smoke.
– Maintain normal blood pressure and control other medical conditions.
– Exercise regularly.
– Wear sunglasses and hats when you are outdoors.
– Get regular eye exams, and consult your doctor if you notice vision changes.
Contrast sensitivity: – It becomes more difficult to see textures and subtle changes in the environment.
Poor tolerance for changing light levels: It may become difficult for your eyes to adjust when lightning in an environment changes.
Need for higher light levels: – You may find that you need brighter light levels for reading, cooking and performing day-to-day tasks.
Impaired depth perception: – An inability to properly judge distances can also make walking harder, potentially leading to missteps and falls.
