All of us have one thing in common. As time goes by, we get older. Aging has some benefits. For example, as the years go by, we gain more experience and become a little smarter and wiser.

But aging also comes with a long list of effects that range from simply inconvenient to life-altering. Maybe your memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, which is why you’re experiencing those dreaded “older moments.” You may not be able to hear as well as you used to, or have aches and pains.

One of the areas that begins to deteriorate as we age is our eyes. If you’re over the age of 40, you’ve probably experienced a vision problem, whether it’s nearsightedness, farsightedness, “tired” eyes, watery eyes, or dry eyes. Many of these problems can be controlled with glasses or medication.

While the types of eye problems mentioned above are bothersome and sometimes inconvenient, it is blindness-related vision problems that worry us the most. For many of us, the thought of going blind is one of the scariest things about aging. Blindness not only means we can’t see our loved ones, read a book or watch TV, it also diminishes our independence. Blind people are unable to drive, do daily household chores, and have difficulty performing personal care tasks such as dressing, grooming, or preparing a meal. It’s no wonder why the thought of going blind is so terrifying.

One of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). In this condition, the retina becomes blocked with debris, affecting central vision. Central vision is your “direct” vision, the kind of vision you need to read, drive, or do any kind of activity that you need to focus on in front of you. Macular degeneration does not affect your peripheral vision. People with macular degeneration see black spots and wavy lines that blur or distort objects in front of them. Age-related macular degeneration can reduce vision by up to 60 percent and is one of the most common causes of age-related blindness. While we don’t know exactly what causes macular degeneration, we do know that poor blood supply to the eye, oxidation of the retina, and leaky capillaries can all contribute to this condition.

Unfortunately, age-related macular degeneration cannot be treated simply with eye drops or lenses. Because doctors aren’t sure what causes macular degeneration, there is no medically accepted cure. In fact, if you’ve already been diagnosed with macular degeneration, your doctor has probably told you there’s nothing you can do other than learn to accept the idea that blindness is in your future.

However, you don’t have to accept the fact that you will slowly but surely go blind as a result of age-related macular degeneration. While there are no pills you can take to slow or stop macular degeneration, while eye drops and special lenses won’t save your vision, there are things you can do to stop, slow, and even reverse macular degeneration. age. Additionally, as additional research is conducted, more and more progressive eye specialists agree that there are steps you can take to maintain or restore your vision in a safe and natural way.

Do you want to stop, delay or even reverse macular degeneration? The answer lies in making new lifestyle choices. Stopping, slowing down, and reversing your macular degeneration is as easy as following the 12 easy steps below. These steps are safe and natural, and you have absolutely nothing to lose by trying them. Best of all, these healthy lifestyle choices will not only have a positive impact on your eyes, but they will also have a positive impact on your overall health.

Step #1: Consult your ophthalmologist

Macular degeneration is not commonly talked about, and many people don’t know what it is until they are diagnosed. Be sure to get your eyes checked annually and ask your doctor to test you for macular degeneration. To determine if you have macular degeneration, your doctor will ask you to look at a tool called an “Amsler chart.” This graph is essentially a grid with a black dot in the middle. If, after focusing on the point in the middle of the graph, you see shaky, uneven, or wavy lines, you are most likely experiencing the early stages of macular degeneration. A dark spot or spot in the center of the graph can also indicate macular degeneration. Your ophthalmologist will characterize your macular degeneration as “wet” or “dry.” “Dry” macular degeneration is the less severe of the two types, accounting for about 90 percent of all macular degeneration cases. Unfortunately, there is no surgery, medication, drop, or lens that can treat “dry” macular degeneration. Severe “wet” macular degeneration can be treated with last-minute efforts designed to preserve sight for an additional time, but these treatments carry significant risk and do not offer a long-term solution.

Step #2: Take inventory of prescription drugs

Some experts believe that aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs can cause retinal hemorrhages in the blood vessels, which can later develop into macular degeneration. People with high blood pressure are at particular risk of developing retinal blood vessel problems as a result of taking NSAIDs. Other drugs that have a negative effect on the retina and can contribute to macular degeneration include Plaquenil and cortisone. Talk to your doctor about replacement drugs if you take any of the above drugs.

Step #3: Protect your eyes from the sun

UV-A and UV-B rays, as well as Blue Light, cause oxidation in the retina, which contributes to macular degeneration. Invest in a high-quality pair of sunglasses that filters out these dangerous rays, and wearing a hat with a brim will protect your eyes.

Step #4: Add vitamins, minerals, and supplements to your daily diet.

There is a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and supplements known to support eye health, including vitamins A, C, D, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, magnesium, garlic, zeaxanthin, and lutein, selenium and taurine. , N-acetylcysteine, zinc, hydrochloric acid, coenzyme Q-10, boron, chromium, copper and manganese. The best place to find eye-healthy vitamins and minerals? In your food. But to make sure you’re getting enough of what you need, take a multivitamin that includes most of the vitamins and minerals above, and supplement with anything it doesn’t.

Step #5: Boost Your Antioxidants and Amino Acids

Since one of the causes of macular degeneration is oxidation of the retina, it makes sense that adding antioxidants to your diet could help fight macular degeneration. A lack of antioxidants in the diet can allow free radicals to multiply, causing more blocked capillaries in the retina. Make sure your diet contains plenty of vitamins C and E, quercetin, bilberry, selenium, bioflavonoids, beta-carotene, and ginko biloba. Many amino acids in the form of N-acetylcysteine, L-glutathione, L-glutamine, and L-cysteine ​​are also essential for eye health.

Step #6: Control Your Fat and Cholesterol Intake

According to a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol increase macular degeneration by 80 percent. Stick to monounsaturated fats like olive oil and eat healthy by incorporating natural carbohydrates like beans, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Eating plenty of soy and fish protein, plus having an alcoholic drink a day if it fits with your lifestyle, can increase your good cholesterol levels.

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