There are some things that improve with age, such as wine, cheese, maturity, wisdom, and a preference for the finer things in life. But for as many things there that improve with age, there’s an equal number that don’t. And don’t only do they not improve or stagnate, they get worse! A good example of this an eye disease known as macular degeneration. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a relatively common medical condition in which the eye’s macula breaks down overtime. Located within the retina in the back of the eye, the macula is a small area made up of light sensitive tissue that’s responsible for central vision and the ability to see fine details.
Did you know that AMD is most common cause of irreversible vision loss in seniors whose central vision is gradually lost? Over time, a person that suffers from AMD may find it extremely difficult if not completely impossible to perform simple, everyday tasks such as recognizing familiar faces, drive, or even read. There are however, several macular degeneration treatments available that are highly effective in treating AMD, including medication, laser therapy, and nutritional supplementation and vitamins. For instances of severe macular pucker, vitrectomy surgery is often required.
If you or someone you know is at risk of developing macular degeneration or is already has it, you aren’t powerless in terms of slowing it’s development or preventing it from developing in the first place. There are several vitamins, nutrients, supplements and foods that have been proven effective in slowing and in some cases preventing the progression and development of macular degeneration.
Take a look at these examples of foods that combat AMD.
Eat your fruits and veggies
Your Mom was right (go figure) when she told you to eat your fruits and vegetables. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can help to combat AMD and improve your eye sight as a whole. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants which, as their name implies, fights against oxidation which is a major part of the destructive AMD process. Dark, leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, spinach, and mustard greens contain high amounts of lutein, a critical antioxidant for staving off AMD. Other antioxidant rich foods fruits and vegetables include mango, cantaloupe, peppers, corn, red grapes, and oranges. Eating a mostly or completely plant based diet has several other health benefits too, including dramatically reduced risk of chronic disease.
Reduce fat intake
Not all fats are bad fats, but the saturated fats found in beef, pork, and dairy can have an adverse effect on the development and progression of AMD. Even some plant oils such as palm kernel oil and cocoa butter can have high levels of saturated fat, though these are processed differently by the body. Reducing the amount of trans fat you eat is also extremely important in terms of both eye and overall health. Trans fat is found in many processed and fried foods such as doughnuts, fries, and fast food. Eating healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado will do the eyes and the body good.
Take vitamins and supplements
Consuming the right amount of vitamins and supplements can improve your body’s condition over all and also improve the condition of your eyes. Some vitamins and supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, have been clinically shown to slow the progression of AMD. If you aren’t already receiving a steady supply of these in your diet, and most people don’t, taking a high quality supplement with a high absorption rate is key.
