Macular degeneration is one of the main reasons seniors 60 and older experience vision loss. Research has found that the condition is age-related but can be caught early and effectively managed. The macular degeneration San Antonio specialists note that the condition can begin with blurred vision or seeing straight objects as wavy. You should not hesitate to seek help if you experience reduced central or distorted vision. Although macular degeneration has no cure, experts agree there are high chances of slowing its progression. Some lifestyle choices can help you safeguard your vision. The following tips can help.
Get Your Eyes Checked Regularly
Everyone should schedule regular eye exams annually, even when they think they do not have a problem. Also, it would help if you got a quick eye checkup when you suspect you have vision problems, especially as you age. Your doctor can discuss your eye health and enlighten you on how to avoid macular degeneration during the appointment. Also, your provider can detect early symptoms of vision complications and delay future vision loss by managing the symptoms. Your doctor can also evaluate your risk factors for the condition to help you make better choices.
Manage Your Risk Factors
Some people are at greater risk of developing macular degeneration than others. As mentioned earlier, your doctor can help you identify your risk factors and guide you in managing them. Having cardiovascular disease, being obese, being a smoker, and having a family history of macular degeneration increases your chances. Some factors might be unavoidable, but you can aim to maintain a healthy weight and quit smoking. Cigarette smoke exposes your eyes to some toxins present in tobacco, making your chances of developing macular degeneration multiply two to five times.
Protect Your Eyes from Overexposure to UV Rays
Sunlight is one of the factors thought to contribute to macular degeneration. The many years of sun exposure affect your vision due to the high amounts of radiation on a sunny or sometimes a cloudy day. Ensure you protect your eyes whenever you are outdoors by wearing sunglasses. You can also provide extra protection to the eyes by wearing a hat to provide shade. You Can consider polarized glasses for more filtration of harmful rays. Also, sunglasses with top and side panels can block out more rays.
Eat More Vitamin C
Please add more grapefruit, papaya, strawberries, brussels sprouts, green peppers, and oranges to your diet. Such foods have more vitamin C, one of the strongest nutrients for eye strength. Vitamin C is also considered an antioxidant that helps counter eye damage due to oxidation stress. You should take about 500 mg of vitamin C daily or consume about half a cup of foods rich in vitamin C. Other important nutrients for your eye health include zinc, Vitamins A, E, and B.
Do Eye Exercises
Some eye exercises can help you compress the progression of macular degeneration. Improve your blinking multiple times every minute to avoid straining the eyes. You can also cover your eyes using your hands to rest them, but don’t put pressure on the eyes. Create a figure eight on the air using your eyes to strengthen the muscles. You can also try zooming and focusing on improving the health of your eyes.
Any slight signs of macular degeneration should not be avoided. Contact the specialists at Alamo Eye Care for the slightest detection of vision issues for examination. Make a call and schedule a consultation appointment right away to safeguard your vision.
