San Antonio is the seventh most populous city in the United States and one of the most popular tourist destinations. The number of people affected by macular degeneration is increasing. It is an age-related condition that destroys your central vision. Macular degeneration in San Antonio is a serious problem. However, many people can maintain or restore their vision despite the disease with adequate treatment and care.
The following is how people can prevent macular degeneration:
Eat A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential for keeping your eyes healthy. Certain foods promote good eye health, including leafy green vegetables, carrots, salmon, and eggs. It is essential to eat various fruits and vegetables to ensure you get all the nutrients needed. Eat fish or take a fish oil supplement.
Fish or fish oil supplements may help prevent macular degeneration. A study conducted in 2009 found that people who took a fish oil supplement daily had a 50% reduced risk of developing advanced macular degeneration because fatty acids such as DHA and EPA are important building blocks for the retina and help prevent oxidative damage to the eye.
Reduce Your Risk Of Obesity
Being overweight or obese puts you at a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). If you are already overweight, losing weight can significantly reduce your chances of developing AMD later in life.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity helps reduce the risk of many age-related health problems, including macular degeneration. Exercise helps keep your body healthy and robust, which helps keep your eyes healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Resistance training is critical because it can help improve your vision. Cardio and coordination exercises can also help.
Quit Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the world. Smoking damages the tissues of the eyes, putting you at a higher risk of macular degeneration. According to The American Society for Preventive Ophthalmology, smoking increases the risk of AMD by up to 80%. Additionally, people who smoke tend to develop AMD at a younger age.
Adjust Your Digital Device Settings
Many people use digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers regularly.
However, spending a long time in front of a screen can damage your eyes if you do not adjust the settings on your device. On most electronic devices, you can adjust the brightness of the screen and the time before the screen goes to sleep. It would be best to take a break from looking at screens every 20 minutes.
Get Your Eyes Checked Regularly
It is vital to get your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor, even if you do not have any symptoms of macular degeneration. An eye exam can help identify early signs of the disease and allow your doctor to prescribe treatment if needed.
If you are at risk of developing macular degeneration, it is crucial to prevent the disease. A healthy diet, exercise, and quitting smoking are necessary prevention measures. Additionally, it is essential to adjust the settings on your digital devices and get your eyes checked regularly.