Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss, especially for patients 50 years and older. As the macula gets damaged, sharp vision is gradually reduced. Your trusted optometrist in Granger, IN, helps you prevent this eye disease with these eight tips:

1. Stop smoking. Studies have shown that smoking increases the risks of macular degeneration. Smokers are twice as likely to develop this disease compared with non-smokers. This is due to the oxidants in the cigarettes, which can also lead to cancer and pulmonary disease.

2. Start exercising and maintain a healthy weight. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that people who exercised regularly have lower risks of macular degeneration.

3. Know your family’s health history. The risk of you having macular degeneration is higher if one of your family members has had it.

4. Eat a healthy diet. You should eat foods rich in omega-3 and low-cholesterol foods to reduce risks of this eye disease. The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary also reported that you should eat carotenoid-rich vegetables like spinach and kale.

5. Take multivitamins or multiminerals. You can ask eye doctors in Granger, IN, for advice on which vitamins or supplements you should take to ensure healthy eyes.

6. Reduce carbs in your diet. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet rich in refined carbohydrates increases the risk of macular degeneration. This diet includes white bread, potatoes, donuts, and pretzels.

7. Control blood pressure and cholesterol. Studies have linked high blood pressure in the development of advanced forms of macular degeneration. Cholesterol, on the other hand, can inhibit blood flow necessary for healthy eyes.

8. Schedule regular eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends scheduling an eye exam at least every two to three years.

With a healthy lifestyle and regular eye exams, you can lower the risk of macular degeneration. Let Southwest Vision Center help you maintain healthy eyes until your golden age. We offer comprehensive exams to see if you need eyeglasses or contact lenses in Three Rivers, MI.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about macular degeneration. Patients in Edwardsburg can call us at (269) 414-4492 while patients in Three Rivers can reach us at (269) 273-8588.