1. Consume a Diet That Contains Antioxidants and Limits Simple Carbohydrates
There are certain risk factors for macular degeneration that you can't control. As you grow older, you become more at risk; your genes and racial heritage are also set in stone. That said, you can reduce your odds of getting the condition by ingesting a diet of nutrient rich foods. Leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower and foods loaded with vitamins A and E, like carrots, can all protect the body's immune system and undo damage wrought by oxidizing free radicals.
Some scientists at the National Eye Institute have hypothesized that two critical antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, may play key roles in staving off macular degeneration. People looking to avoid coming down with the eye disease might also do well to cut out simple carbohydrates, such as unbleached wheat flour, high fructose corn syrup and other sugars. These substances have been linked with all manner of dangerous health conditions, including Type-II diabetes, heart disease, dementia, certain types of cancers and other diseases normally associated with Western civilizations.
2. Ingest Supplements and Consume Fish
A recently released study on eye disease in seniors demonstrated that taking regular doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish) can significantly reduce the likelihood that a person will develop macular degeneration. Of course, taking too many supplements can lead to other kinds of risks. Eating too much of certain types of fish, for instance, can build up certain toxins in the body. Overdosing on vitamin C or vitamin A can likewise cause harm at the cellular level. Remember, all things in moderation.
3. Manage Other Risk Factors
While smoking, sunbathing or cardiovascular illness is not purely predictive of macular degeneration, these risk factors make the condition much more likely. Ultraviolet light exposure can also lead to all manner of vision problems as well as skin cancer. Make sure to use filter systems, lenses and sunscreen to block out both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation.
