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Age Related Macular Degeneration

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What is Macular Degeneration
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What can you do to reduce the risks
 
Diet   
(needed to build Macular Pigment)

vegetables rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Eat  foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin (or supplements).  
Increase intake of fruits and vegetables
Consuming fish (like tuna) more than once per week may be beneficial
Reduce alcohol consumption (alcohol may deplete antioxidants and carotenoids in the body)



General Health

gentle exercise is good for you

Decrease cardiovascular risk factors  (hypertension, obesity, fats, cholesterol)
       Are you overweight?  Check out your own   Body Mass Index (BMI)
Gentle exercise is good for you - but don't overdo it


don't smoke
STOP or NEVER START smoking.
Smoking very seriously affects your health and vision in later life.



Eye protection
Reduce exposure to the damaging effects of bright sunlight, particularly if you have low levels of macular pigment which is the eyes natural built-in sunglasses
Wear uv / blue light blocking glasses/sunglasses (and preferably large or wrap-around types)
Wear hats or caps with eye shielding brims

Optometric Advice
Ask your optometrist to advise on reducing risk of AMD in later life and to measure your prsent levels of Macular Pigment

A Simple ARMD risk calculator (offsite Link)
The higher the risk the more serious you should consider altering lifestyle to reduce the risks.  
If your macular pigment levels are also low you should consider altering your diet and/or taking supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin. If you do not know your macular pigment levels ask your optometrist to measure it for you..