(http://www.PreserveMacForte.com) Although there are lots of people who fear the possibility of losing their sight as they get older, the right strategy can lessen the likelihood of getting age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reported News.com.au on November 6.
For those with dry AMD, an eye condition that adversely impacts central vision, there is unfortunately no cure. However, studies have shown that people can reduce their odds of being diagnosed with dry AMD by getting their fair share of carotenoid lutein.
Carotenoid lutein can be found in kale, spinach, collard greens and other dark, leafy green produce. It can also be found in peaches, okra, sweet potatoes, oranges, green beans, mango, papaya, broccoli, pumpkin, lima beans and red grapes. So a trip to the neighborhood grocery store is all it’ll take to load up on carotenoid lutein-rich fruits and vegetables that promote eye health.
The other type of AMD is the wet variety. Wet AMD, which happens to be more serious than dry AMD, is a condition that causes the growth of new blood vessels behind the eye. The problem is that these new blood vessels leak blood that gets into the retina, which can result not only in scarring, but also the possibility of irreparable vision loss.
Fortunately, wet AMD can be treated with medication if it is diagnosed sooner rather than later. That’s where regular visits with an eye doctor comes in useful. People can also reduce their risks of coming down with the eye ailment by getting their fair share of lutein and zeaxanthin. What this means is that produce such as peaches, sweet corn, kale, mango, pumpkin, apricots, oranges and orange capsicums should be on the grocery lists of people who want to keep their eyes functioning optimally.
Beyond eating the right stuff, there are other things people can do to keep their eyes healthy. Maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, avoiding hypertension and scheduling regular eye exams are other important components of an eye-health strategy.
While AMD generally afflicts those who are 5o and older, the fact of the matter is that people can — by following the aforementioned tips — live long and healthy lives without having to deal with AMD.