(PreserveMacForte.com) A new technological measuring method known as Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) can help age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients to prevent their condition from developing into the most severe form of the disease, reported Statesman.com.
Some people with dry AMD end up getting wet AMD, the most serious of the two types. Wet AMD happens when new blood vessels grow in the eye region. These blood vessels can leak blood and other liquid, which can ultimately damage the macula and lead to vision loss. According to the article, numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that people who have the most elevated amounts of certain essential nutrients have a decreased risk of getting AMD.
Among these essential nutrients are lutein and zeaxanthin. Produce with these vitamins include squash, kale, spinach, collard greens and turnip greens. The article noted that these substances play the role of “internal sunglasses” by helping to safeguard the eyes from damage that can lead to AMD.
With the MPOD technology, eye professionals can assess people’s eyes to determine whether or not they have the aforementioned nutrients in their retinas. After conducting the test, they can suggest changes to help people to lessen the odds of losing their sight.
According to the article, people with a family history of AMD are more likely to come down with the eye ailment than are people with no family history of AMD. The article AMD patients with poor nutrition face a greater risk of seeing their eye condition profess to the wet version of AMD than are AMD patients with good eating habits. People who are worried about AMD should ask their eye-care professional about a possible MPOD exam, according to the article.
Various studies have shown that people who avoid obesity, exercise regularly, avoid hypertension, keep their cholesterol level down, stay away from cigarettes, eat fish with omega-3 fatty acids and get regular eye exams can substantially lower their odds of being diagnosed with AMD. People who have a family history of AMD should ask their eye-care professional about the possible need to go in for more regular eye exams, according to the article.