(www.PreserveMacForte.com) People living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can make their symptoms worse by being obese, reported New FIX recently.
According to the article, experts thus far are not certain why the macula can potentially degenerate as people age. That said, earlier studies have uncovered various risk factors that can adversely impact the progression of the eye ailment, namely insufficient intake of antioxidants, smoking and diet high in fat.
The article noted that Harvard Medical School researchers desired to look into a theory suggesting that AMD could be caused by reduce blood flow to the rear of the retina. As part of an effort to test this theory, the researchers analyzed factors that can impact the likelihood of blocked arteries such as exercise and obesity. In total, the researchers focused on 261 people who, one, were ay least 60 years old and, two, had some AMD symptoms. In monitoring the patients’ health over48 months, the researchers kept track of weight, waist and hip measurements, and blood pressure.
After combing over their results, the researchers discovered that patients who were obese had a greater chance of being diagnosed with full-blown AMD by the conclusion of the study than were patients who were thinner. Patients whose symptoms had developed into AMD also were more likely than not to have a bigger waist-to-hip ratio than their leaner fellow patients. Meanwhile, the article added that patients who exercised a lot at least three times every week where 25% less likely to be diagnosed with full-blown AMD by the conclusion of the research.
According to the article, age-related macular degeneration is a condition that adversely impacts central rather than peripheral vision. People with the ailment generally have difficulty reading, writing, driving, watching television, and recognizing the faces of even friends and family. The condition usually impacts only people who are 60 and older. However, this does not mean that people cannot live a long, healthy life without getting AMD. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy cholesterol level, avoiding hypertension, and eating lots of leafy green vegetables and fish with omega-3 fatty acids can help to promote eye health. In addition to the above, it’s also important for people to see their eye doctors regularly for a thorough eye examination.
Reference: http://www.newsfix.ca/2013/07/20/age-related-macular-degeneration-could-be-made-worse-by-obesity/