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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffThe following measures may help you avoid macular degeneration:
- Eat foods containing antioxidants. Foods with antioxidants are those rich in vitamins A, C and E. People who eat diets rich in vegetables, particularly leafy green vegetables, may have a lower risk of macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute is currently sponsoring a clinical trial to assess the efficacy of three specific antioxidants — lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids — in lowering the risk of macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in egg yolks, corn, and spinach and other green leafy vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish as well as other foods such as almonds.
- Take antioxidant and zinc supplements. For people with moderate to advanced macular degeneration, findings from the National Eye Institute-sponsored Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) indicate that taking high doses of zinc, beta carotene, and vitamins C and E is effective in reducing the risk of further vision loss. However, beta carotene has been linked to increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Too much vitamin E can be toxic. Ask your doctor about these supplements before trying anything on your own.
- Eat fish. A diet rich in the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can result in a reduced risk of macular degeneration.
- Stop smoking. Smokers are more likely to develop macular degeneration than are nonsmokers. Ask your doctor for help to stop smoking.
- Manage your other diseases. For example, if you have cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, take your medication and follow your doctor's instructions for controlling the condition.
- Get regular eye exams. Early detection of macular degeneration increases your chances of preventing serious vision loss. If you're older than 40, get an exam every two to four years, and older than 65, every year or two. If you have a family history of macular degeneration, have your eyes examined more frequently.
- Screen your vision regularly. If you've received a diagnosis of early-stage macular degeneration, your doctor may suggest that you regularly monitor your vision at home with an Amsler grid. Doing so may help you to detect subtle changes in your vision at the earliest possible time and seek help promptly.
If you have some vision loss because of macular degeneration, your eye doctor can prescribe optical devices called low-vision aids that will help you see better for close-up work. Or your doctor may refer you to a low-vision specialist. In addition, a wide variety of support services and rehabilitation programs are available that may help you adjust your lifestyle.
