Age-related macular degeneration is an eye condition that occurs when aging causes damage to the part of your eye that is responsible for central vision. It can decrease the quality of life significantly and interfere with daily activities. AMD is the most common cause of permanent vision loss in the elderly. A person suffering from macular degeneration may eventually find it difficult or impossible to read, drive, or recognize familiar faces.

Unfortunately, no treatment is available for age-related macular degeneration. But there are several things you may do to minimize your chance of developing age-related macular degeneration. 

1. Eat more leafy greens

Eating dark leafy greens may aid in the prevention of macular degeneration. People who daily consume a lot of vegetables high in carotenoids(lutein and zeaxanthin) had a 43% lower risk of AMD compared to those who eat less of these foods. Some vegetables that have the highest doses of carotenoids include raw spinach, kale, and collard greens. Particularly, the regular consumption of spinach or collard greens is associated with a significantly reduced risk of AMD.

Daily intake of foods high in carotenoids like dark green, may also reduce the risk of developing advanced or exudative AMD. This is the most visually disabling form of age-related macular degeneration.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

To lower the risk of macular degeneration it is crucial to exercise regularly and maintain healthy body weight. This information was confirmed after a 15-years study of 4,000 individuals between the ages of 43 and 86. After taking into account risks like weight, cholesterol levels, and age, researchers discovered that people with an active lifestyle were 70% less likely to develop an age-related macular degeneration.

3. Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol

Some research suggests that lowering your cholesterol may protect you against macular degeneration. Cholesterol is a fatty cell that can accumulate in your blood vessels, limiting the blood flow that is required to keep eye tissue healthy. 

Blood pressure management may also be essential in the prevention of macular degeneration. Chronically high blood pressure increases your risk of developing advanced, potentially blinding forms of macular degeneration.

4. Stop using tobacco products

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. People who smoke are up to 4 times more likely to develop macular degeneration than non-smokers. Besides, tobacco increases the risk of the early onset of macular degeneration and serious complications like complete vision loss. 

If you are a smoker, stop now. This will help you preserve your vision and overall well being. 

5. Protect your eye from UV and blue light

Major studies have shown no clear evidence that excessive sun exposure causes macular degeneration. However, other results indicate at least a link between AMD and cumulative eye damage caused by excessive exposure to both UV and blue light. Exposure to UV and blue light in combination with a poor diet and generally unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk even more. 

To decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration you need to wear sunglasses with special lenses that protect your eyes from UV and blue light damage. Your eye doctor can recommend to you which glasses will be good for you.

6. Have a regular eye exam

Last but not least, get your eyes checked regularly. It is recommended to get an eye exam at least every two to three years if you're between the ages of 45 and 60. After the age of 60, you need to visit your ophthalmologist once a year. This will help you decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration significantly. However, if you have a predisposition to macular degeneration, it may still develop and cause serious eye problems.

Regular eye exams can help your eye doctor diagnose and monitor AMD, allowing you to get correct AMD treatment if necessary, in addition to these preventative steps.