Fighting Macular Degeneration
Thursday, December 15th, 2022, 7:07 am
Are you having difficulty seeing as well as you used to? You may think you are just getting older, but what if it is something more serious than that? The problem could be macular degeneration – read on for information on what causes this disease and how you can fight it.
What is macular degeneration?
The macula is located in the back of the eye, and it helps to make sure that our vision is sharp. When the arteries that feed the retina start to harden, the eye doesn’t get the nutrients it needs, and tissue begins to die. Age-related macular degeneration is the result. Signs of age-related macular degeneration include a gradual loss of color vision, difficulty seeing objects clearly, blurry vision, and a dark area appearing in the center of vision.
What can you do about macular degeneration?
Unfortunately, there two risk factors for macular degeneration that you just can’t do anything about: age and genetics. But there are some other things you do have control over:
• Stop smoking. Smoking leads to poor circulation, which makes it difficult for blood to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the eyes.
• Eat right. Make sure to eat lots of dark leafy greens for antioxidants that are important for healthy eyes. Eating fish two to three times a week can help, too – salmon, sardines, and mackerel all have lots of omega-3, which is also essential for eyes.
• Be active. Exercise gets the blood flowing throughout the body, and research shows that those who have an active lifestyle are less likely to develop macular degeneration.
• Take a supplement. Ask your eye doctor about which vitamin or mineral supplements you should be taking for eye health. He or she might suggest zinc, copper, beta-carotene, and/or vitamins C and E.
Another very important thing you can do to fight macular degeneration is to keep up with your visits to the eye doctor. If you are having problems with your eyes, or if it is just time for an exam, contact Marion Eye Center and Optical. Call the office in Illinois (800-344-7058) or the office in Missouri (877-269-4545) for an appointment today!
Category: Macular Degeneration
