How to Prevent Age Related Eye Disease

When in our 40s, we tend to develop certain vision-related conditions, such as cataracts and possibly macular degeneration. However, as I tell my patients, you need to be proactive now to protect your vision! First, let me explain a little about these two matters.

Cataracts are a consequence of the lens’ distortion of vision. More than 17% of Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts, which is a very common vision problem. They are caused by aging, overexposure to ultraviolet light, as well as oral and aerosol steroids (such as asthma inhalers) that enter the eyes.

Cataracts have generally been treated in the past with traditional or laser surgery. However, Russian scientists have shown remarkable success in reversing cataracts with eye drops containing a powerful antioxidant, n-acetyl carnosine or NAC.

In contrast, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be a genetic condition of the eyes as well as age-related with uncertain causes. However, researchers believe that unhealthy diets with low antioxidant, low fat and smoking can contribute to the development of the condition. More than 1.6 million Americans are affected by macular degeneration and can cause severe vision loss.

The macula, a part of the retina that gives a clear vision, is damaged by abnormal blood vessels, resulting in decreased sensitivity to light and central vision. There are two types, dry (the most common) and wet (less common, but more detrimental to vision).

Interestingly, recent studies have shown an association between cataract surgery and the development of macular degeneration. It seems reasonable that if you could prevent or reverse cataracts naturally, you could reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration.

Avoid cataracts and reduce your risk of developing AMD

The following are the same strategies I give my patients to prevent cataracts and reduce their risk of developing macular degeneration.

• Complete eye examination: This is necessary to detect cataracts and macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Know your genetics. If someone in your family has ARMD, their risk is 2.5 times greater than average.
• No smoking: Smoking is one of the most important contributors to the development of macular degeneration. It essentially cuts off oxygen to the eye and causes hardening and arterial contraction.
• Protect your eyes in bright light: Wear a hat or sunglasses in bright sunlight to protect your eyes from ultraviolet light.
• Protect your eyes from aerosol with steroids: If you use aerosol steroids for asthma, make sure to close or otherwise protect your eyes when you put the inhaler in your mouth. Part of the spray can move upwards and into the eyes. If you are taking oral steroids, tell your doctor about your possible cataract development from them. See if there is an alternative available to them.
• Heart healthy diet: A heart healthy diet is healthy for the eyes because plaque formation can lead to both coronary artery disease and macular degeneration. Limit saturated fat to 20-25% of total calories.
• Exercise: Again, a hearty exercise regimen will also benefit your eyes. In addition, your eyes get the much needed oxygenation. Try for 30 minutes each day with an outdoor exercise like walking, cycling.
• Antioxidants: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, resveratrol, selenium, vitamin E. It is difficult to get the right amount of these in food alone, so a good antioxidant supplement is the best thing for sure. Antioxidants are now considered to prevent dangerous plaque formation in blood vessels.
• Omega-3: Studies show that Omega-3 krill and fish oils can reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration by 40%. They maintain good arterial health and prevent / reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin D: Lately Vitamin D has become the superstar of the vitamin, and information about its specific eye examination benefits is becoming clear. Recent studies show that people who have higher levels of vitamin D had a 40% lower incidence of macular degeneration.
• Specific vitamins for the eyes: lutein, zeaxanthin, blueberries. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in dark green, green vegetables such as kale, spinach and vegetables.