PREVENTION OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)

· Observation by an ophthalmologist. People over 40 need to have a complete ophthalmologic examination every year.

· Use sunglasses. Prolonged and intense exposure to direct sunlight negatively affects the organs of vision. People who consume insufficient amounts of antioxidants and spend a lot of time in the sun are especially affected: such people are more likely to get the most dangerous type of the disease – the wet form of AMD.

· Prevention of age-related macular degeneration will not be effective if the patient does not quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of progression of AMD by 5 times.

· Eating fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of developing AMD by 45%. Diet is an important and mandatory aspect for the prevention of early stages of AMD. These are mainly green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, greens. Fruits and vegetables, which contain carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein), vitamins and minerals, protect the retina.

· Limit your intake of fatty foods.

· Take a multivitamin. The condition of the eyes also depends on the general condition of the body.

· Prevention of age-related macular degeneration should include the use of vitamins such as vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, zinc oxide, copper oxide.

· Vitamin complexes for the prevention of AMD. To date, a large number of vitamin and mineral complexes for the eyes are presented.

· Eat fish. The omega-3s in fish reduce the risk of AMD by 40% when consumed twice a week.

· Active lifestyle. Regular physical activity (walking 3 km 2-3 times a week) and weight control reduce the risk of developing the disease by 70%.

· It is necessary to control the level of cholesterol and blood pressure.

It is known that any disease is easier to prevent than to cure!

This publication has been prepared with the support of the Presidential Grants Fund