How to Prevent Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness. The disease causes blind spots in your central field of vision, and your visual acuity is significantly reduced, making it difficult to read, drive, watch television and recognize faces. There is no known cause for this disease. However, there are some steps that you can take to lower your risk and slow down the progression of macular degeneration.

1. First: Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist

   Have your maculae examined with an ophthalmoscope, and have photos of your eye taken to detect abnormal blood vessels behind the retina. Educate yourself about estrogen therapy, as well as antioxidant vitamin therapy. High-risk patients have lowered their risk by 25 percent by taking mega doses of beta carotene, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E.

2. Second: Wear sunglasses

   Protecting your eyes from the dangerous rays of the sun can play an important role in the prevention of macular degeneration. Purchase and wear sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses with 100 percent UV protection.

3. Third: Act heart smart

   Participate in regular cardiovascular activity, such as swimming, biking and walking. These sorts of activities may reduce the rate of progression by as much as 25 percent.

4. Fourth: Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

   Eat green, leafy vegetables and fruits daily. The lutein and zeaxanthin found in these fruits and vegetables are an important part of your diet. Produce is rich in antioxidants, and can protect your body from light damage and free radicals, which are the harmful molecules that harm your body's cells