Reducing Your Risk of AMD

Age Related Macular Degeneration is indeed what it’s name testifies, “Age related”. And while reducing your age may be something magical and that of legend, it may not be the first step to reducing your risk of developing AMD. Studies show only 2 percent of adults in their mid‐life are at risk for developing AMD. This number substantially increases for individuals over the age of 60, and for adults 75 and over, the number reaches 30 percent at risk. To take action and reduce the risk, it is important to know who is at risk for developing AMD.

Factors such as smoking, family medical history, gender (studies indicate women to be at a higher risk than men), obesity, race (White individuals are more likely to develop AMD), and genetic makeup reveal who is more at risk for developing AMD, and allows for understanding as to how you can improve or increase support to your eyes, reducing your risk.

What you can do?

Stop Smoking: Starting with the above mentioned, smoking. Studies show individuals who smoke are two to three times higher at risk for developing AMD. If you presently smoke, your risk for developing AMD is increased. Making the decision to quit smoking will reduce your risk of developing AMD. Within the first year of quitting smoking, your likelihood of developing AMD is reduced by 6.7%, this number increases as the years progress, making the decision to quit smoking, a wise step in risk reducing actions. (Neuner et al Ann Epidemiol. 2007 May 24)

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced nutritional diet, high in green leafy vegetables and fish provides a nutrient rich foundation, allowing your body to support all functioning parts. When your body is healthy, your blood, cells, tissue and nerves all benefit. With good nutrition, your eyes have the proper tools for being supported with the supplies needed to maintain vision as time progresses. Keep Trans Fat food intake low. These Trans fat foods effect both men and women in the increased risk for developing AMD. Lowering the trans fat (or bad fat) intake and relying on good fats (such as those found in fish and certain types of nuts) has shown positive results lessening the risk of macular degeneration. Many of these good fats contain antioxidants, which benefit the aging eye.

Exercise and Body Wight: Exercising keeps your body strong and helps manage your body weight, as well, promotes a healthy and strong heart. Not only will your weight be affected as a result of regular physical activities, but your heart and blood pressure. Studies indicate obesity increases risk of developing AMD, keeping your weight managed and your body strong, will further lower your risk of developingAMD.

Blood Pressure: Also associated with increased risk, individuals with high blood pressure (or hyper tension) have been noted as more likely to develop AMD. Maintaining a normal blood pressure will reduce your risk for such developments. If you have high blood pressure (or hyper tension), seek the guidance of your health care professional for the best way to accomplish and maintain a normal blood pressure.