Orlando seniors are at a heightened risk for the leading cause of vision lost, Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Fortunately, there are a few precautions that can be taken to reduce the damage from this disease that limits a person’s ability to recognize faces, and even write and read.
“There is still a worrying lack of awareness when it comes to AMD, despite it being the number one cause of blindness in seniors,” says Rahul N. Khurana, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Older Americans who are unaware of the disease may be putting themselves at risk by not taking early steps to care for their vision. The good news is that they protect their sight from AMD-related blindness by showing their eyes some TLC with regular eye exams and lifestyle changes.”
What is your family history
If there is a family history of AMD you may be at a greater risk of developing this condition. The earlier AMD is detected the better the prognosis, and saving your vision.
Get Regular Exercise
Getting regular exercise (three times a week) has been shown to reduce the chances of developing this disease by as much as 70 percent.
A Healthy Diet
Studies show a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in Omega 3s showed a reduced risk of AMD.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, you are twice as likely to develop AMD and it also increases the progression, according to many studies.
Regular Eye Exams
The symptoms of AMD may not be obvious in the early stages. A comprehensive eye exam from an eye Doctor can detect the early signs. For those over the age of 65, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having an exam every one to two years.
Regardless of your physical well-being or your age, routine eye exams are vital to healthy eyes. Many eye diseases threaten more than just our vision, they can affect our overall well being. During an eye exam Dr. Ward and the Team at Lake Nona Eye Care do much more than just establish your prescription for contact lenses or eyeglasses. A compressive exam will include checking for eye diseases and other issues leading to vision loss.
Contact Lake Nona Eye Care today for an appointment or call 407-658-9990