Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Prevention

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Prevention

You cannot prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But there are some steps you can take that may lower your risk of developing AMD.

• Have regular eye exams. Eye exams may help determine whether you are at risk for developing AMD or, if you have AMD, may detect it early. If it is treatable, early detection may help reduce or delay any loss of vision.
• Do not smoke. People who smoke may be twice as likely to develop AMD than those who do not smoke.² Even after you stop smoking, this increased risk may persist for many years.
• Eat plenty of fruits and nuts. Eating regular servings of fruits and nuts may lower your chances of getting AMD.^{6 7}

Several measures may help prevent wet AMD if you already have the dry form:

• Eat a diet rich in dark green, leafy vegetables (such as spinach). Your doctor may also advise you to take antioxidant vitamins and zinc. A diet rich in vitamins may slow the progression of AMD and delay vision loss. But this treatment is most effective if you already have moderate AMD. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Some can have harmful side effects, especially in high doses.⁵
• Eat fish. Eating fish, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, may lower your chances of getting AMD.²
• Limit harmful fats. Too much saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet may increase your risk that AMD will get worse.²
• Get regular exercise and stay at a healthy weight. These choices may lower your risk of developing wet AMD.⁸

Check your vision in each eye with an Amsler grid every day or as often as your doctor recommends. Watch for vision loss by looking for changes in your ability to read, see the television clearly, or see people's faces at a distance. If you notice a change, discuss with your doctor whether you need to have an eye exam.

Last updated:	August 13, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC