Keep Your Eyes on Nutrition

Aging comes with plenty of inevitabilities, but did you know that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) doesn’t have to be one of them? Or that its prevention could be as simple as filling your plate with the right foods?

AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss, but it doesn’t have to be your future. AMD affects the central part of the retina (AKA, the macula), making it harder to read, drive, and recognize faces—and can eventually lead to total central vision loss. Although genetic predisposition does play a role in its development, you have the power to minimize or even prevent it by adhering to a nutritionist-led diet and supplement strategy.

Two Types of Macular Degeneration

There are two kinds of AMD—wet and dry. Dry AMD is the most common type, wherein yellowish deposits form under your macula. Over time, that build up leads to a drying and thinning of your macula.

Wet AMD, on the other hand, only accounts for about ten percent of all cases, and this form is caused by the abnormal development of blood vessels beneath your retina and macula, and these vessels leak blood and fluid, causing your macula to bulge. Sometimes dry AMD can lead to wet AMD, but not always. The wet form is more severe and progresses rapidly, often resulting in a total loss of central vision. There is also some evidence to suggest that wet AMD may be caused by an overactive immune response, meaning that an anti-inflammatory diet could be beneficial in its prevention and progression.

You can also experience both kinds of AMD by having one kind in each eye, different levels of severity in each eye, or only one affected eye.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

Although the most common cause of age-related macular degeneration is—you guessed it!—age, there are several other factors at play. AMD is most common in adults over 50, but other factors include:

·      Family history, with genetic mutations putting some people at higher risk

·      Poor diet, resulting in oxidative stress and lack of sufficient amounts of key nutrients such lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3s

·      Smoking—which doubles your risk of AMD by increasing oxidative stress

·      High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and unmanaged diabetes, which can restrict blood flow to the eyes

·      Obesity, which increases systemic inflammation and oxidative stress

·      Autoimmune conditions including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease which have been linked to a higher risk of developing AMD

·      Excessive screen time and UV exposure, both of which contribute to retinal damage over time

Warning Signs of AMD

It’s important to contact your eye doctor whenever you notice any changes in your vision, but common symptoms of AMD include:

·      Decreased visibility in low light

·      Blurred vision

·      Changes in, or the inability to see, colors

·      Straight lines appearing curved or wavy

·      Blank or dark spots in your vision

·      Inability to see fine details

How a Nutritionist Can Help

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have a family history or increased risk factors of developing AMD, you’ve come to the right place. While there is no cure for AMD, significant diet and lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in the progression of the disease—or even prevent it altogether if you take action before it sets in. Here’s how I can help:

1.     Build you a targeted nutrition plan that focuses on key nutrients proven to support eye health, as well as manage any conditions that could be contributing factors in the development of the disease. Avoiding certain foods, like those high in saturated fats, as well as incorporating lots of foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and certain vitamins and minerals is key in preventing and managing AMD. Furthermore, proper nutrition to get you to a healthy weight, control blood sugar, and/or lower blood pressure and cholesterol, are essential in maintaining the health of your eyes.

2.     Provide nutritional education for life. While I can tell you what and how to eat, understanding the “whys” behind it all are equally important. That way, you can make educated decisions about your diet and eat healthfully all your life.

3.     Identify and help source high-quality supplements known to improve eyesight. Two large studies—Age-Related Eye Diseases Studies 1 and 2 (AREDS1 and AREDS2) found that a specific curation of high-quality supplements at the proper dosages can significantly reduce the progression of AMD—by approximately 25 percent. Taking the right supplements at the right amounts at the right time is key to their effectiveness, and the world of supplements can be overwhelming to navigate, but I can simplify and streamline the process.

     Ensure consistency. When it comes to managing any health condition, consistency is key. If you want to see results, knowledgeable, guided support is essential in turning lifestyle changes into lifelong habits that bolster your health. Not to mention, dealing with vision loss can be scary, and having a support system on your journey can make the work towards better health far less daunting.

If you have a family history of macular degeneration or other risk factors, or are already experiencing early signs, the time to act is now. Proactive nutrition and lifestyle changes can be the difference between having crisp, clear vision as you age—or not. Your eyesight is too precious to gamble on. Schedule a consultation and make that crucial first step in protecting your eyesight today.