Conditions such as age-related macular degeneration are, as the name clearly suggests, eye problems that tend to occur later in life. Certain people are predisposed to AMD due to genetic makeup. As a result, this could lead to an assumption that there is little that can be done to increase the chances of maintaining healthy vision until a ripe old age. According to research, that very thing may be possible.
Recent studies show the various ways to inhibit vision-stealing eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, regardless of genetic risk factors. Primarily, what researchers suggest is that healthy living habits can offset the risks that are out of one’s control.
Of course, predisposition to any potentially serious eye disease is the good reason to maintain routine eye exams. If you begin to show signs of age-related macular degeneration, your physician will develop a treatment protocol to manage progression at the slowest rate possible.
What Can We Learn From Research?
The research related to lifestyle and age-related macular degeneration includes a study out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Data from this study published in Ophthalmology online, suggests a quadrupled risk of AMD for women who:
- Led a relatively sedentary lifestyle
- Smoked approximately one-pack of cigarettes a day for a duration of 7 or more years
- Consumed little if any fruits and vegetables
- Carried genes that predisposed them to AMD
After this study, researchers believed that all factors work together, genes, nutrition, and lifestyle, to control the inflammation associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration.
Lowering Risk
There are several ways to add life to your eyes, even with an early-stage age-related macular degeneration diagnosis. Data indicates that avoiding tobacco products, smoking, in particular, significantly improves eye health. In addition, upplementation with antioxidants or vitamins C and E can also improve the progression of AMD.
Dr. Murrell’s specialty is cataract treatment and oculoplastics. Our friendly staff cares about your overall eye health and ability to enjoy crisp, clear vision throughout your life. We work with our patients in every way that we can to resolve concerns such as age-related macular degeneration, either with personal care here in our office or with appropriate referrals.
Schedule a Consultation
If interested in cataract treatment and oculoplastics contact, the office at 800-351-1177.