How Can You Lower Your Risk For AMD?
If you are at risk for AMD due to your age, family history, or other factors, it is critical that you have regular eye exams. Inquire with your doctor about how frequently you should have your eyes examined. Early AMD has no symptoms, so don’t wait for it to affect your vision! According to research, you may be able to reduce your risk of AMD (or slow the progression of AMD vision loss) by making the following healthy choices:
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check.
- Consume nutritious foods such as leafy green vegetables and fish.
- Don’t smoke or quit smoking.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Facts
- AMD is very common — 11 million people in the United States have it.
- Late AMD can affect one or both eyes.
- If you have late AMD in one eye, you are more likely to develop late AMD in the other.
Living With AMD
Not everyone who has AMD gets late AMD or has it in both eyes.
However, if you do, living with AMD vision loss can be difficult.
Low vision means that even with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery, it is difficult to perform daily tasks.
The good news is that there are solutions, such as low vision devices and vision rehabilitation services.
With low vision, vision rehabilitation can help you learn the skills you need to stay independent and active.
Here’s a guide for talking with your doctor about AMD!
For more helpful eye care and vision care tips, please visit our main blog page.
Sources:nei.nih.gov
Image by Kim Heimbuch from Pixabay