How To Prevent Macular Degeneration!No one knows why Macular Degeneration takes place in humans, and how to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from happening, though a high intake of specific vitamins targeted to boost your immunity towards AMD can help combat the onset of the disease to some extent. For example, a combination of vitamins and minerals taken together like large quantities of vitamin C, E, Beta Carotene and Zinc-taken with copper will help in slowing down AMD for those who are in the intermediate stage as well as those with early advanced AMD. If you think that you might be a victim of AMD at any level, your safest bet would be to get complete eye checkups done on a regular basis. The National Eye Institute suggests that you should go in for a dilated pupil eye test annually in case you have been diagnosed with having dry AMD. Also, since dry AMD may move on to wet AMD, you may want to consider having a chat with your doctor about whether you want to use an Amsler grid and get your eyes checked every once in a while to rule out having wet AMD. If there is any change in your macular degeneration or dry macular status, you should call your doctor and arrange an eye examination. In case you have been diagnosed with having wet AMD, and if your doctor recommends laser surgery or photodynamic therapy to you, it is suggested that you consider having the procedure as soon as possible. If you delay too long, even the laser operation may not be an option, as the disease can advance to a point where treatment to save your remaining sight may no longer be possible. You should take advice from your doctor about what steps need to be taken to check and maintain your eye sight, as well as what vitamin and mineral supplements to take. Your way of life plays a vital role in reducing your chances of getting AMD. Make sure that you have a healthy diet which is rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish. Avoid smoking, and try to maintain normal blood pressure. Keep an eye on your weight, and exercise regularly. Recently, a Dutch study has discovered that a few vitamins can help prevent the onset as well as slow down the progression of macular degeneration (AMD). Previous studies had shown that consuming 5 to 13 times the normal daily requirement of vitamins C and E, along with a high intake of beta carotene and zinc, helped slow down the progression of macular degeneration by around 25 percent over a period of 5 years in patients already suffering from AMD. The same Dutch study also discovered that consuming these vitamins and minerals in their natural form greatly diminished the risk of AMD in people by over 35% for those who ate more than the average intake of these vitamins and minerals, and there was around 20% increased risk for people who consumed the same below median amounts. However, it is interesting to note that further consumption of supplements over and above the normal intake of the vitamins and minerals had no effect on the results. |