If you have concerns about macular degeneration, make an appointment with Retina Associates of Orange County to see a Newport Beach eye doctor. Our doctors have helped many patients with macular degeneration and other illnesses of the eye.
During your appointment, an eye doctor in Newport Beach can perform a thorough vision exam to determine the health of your eyes. If one of our ophthalmologists discovers that your eyesight is degrading due to macular issues, he or she can recommend treatment options. Though there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, in some cases it can be reduced or slowed. To help reduce the risk of developing it in the first place, here are several suggestions.
How to Reduce the Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is more likely to develop in people with high risk factors. If those risk factors are reduced or eliminated, the likelihood of developing macular degeneration can be slowed or prevented. A qualified eye doctor Newport Beach residents choose for their eye care can review your lifestyle habits and recommend healthy changes. These changes can reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration and improve your overall health.
- Quit smoking. If you’re a smoker, your chances of developing macular degeneration increase up to five times. If your family history includes macular degeneration and your genes have a complement factor, smoking increases your risk of developing it up to 200 times.
- Lower high blood pressure. The eyes have the highest blood exchange rate in the human body. High blood pressure can adversely affect the eyes and lead to many problems, including macular degeneration. To reduce high blood pressure, several lifestyle changes may have to be made, including diet, reducing stress, and possibly medication. A Newport Beach eye doctor with Retina Associates of Orange County can inform you if your blood pressure rate is a risk factor.
- Reduce high cholesterol. Medication and diet can decrease cholesterol levels and the likelihood of developing macular degeneration. Be sure to tell your Newport Beach eye doctor if you are taking cholesterol medication.
- Eat antioxidants. People whose diets include foods rich with antioxidants are less likely to suffer from macular degeneration. Antioxidants can be found in these foods:
- Fruits and vegetables with bright color such as peppers, corn, red grapes, mango, cantaloupe, and oranges.
- Spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, and other dark green leafy vegetables.
- Eat Omega-3s. Foods that are rich in omega-3 are beneficial to the eyes and heart. Fish such as wild salmon or sardines are particularly high in omega-3. Fish oil supplements are also effective.
- Avoid processed foods and unsaturated fats. Commercially baked goods are usually high in unsaturated fat. These foods convert to sugar in the body, which is detrimental to good health and can increase the risk of developing macular degeneration.
- The cardiovascular system requires regular exercise, which can help maintain a healthy weight. Macular degeneration is more common among people who are obese.
- Use eye protection. Blue light and ultraviolet light can damage your retina. It also increases the possibility of developing macular degeneration and other eye issues. Wear good quality sunglasses while outside to protect your eyes. Your Newport Beach eye doctor can recommend suitable sunglasses to reduce the risk of injury to your eyes from damaging rays.
Contact us today at Retina Associates of Orange County to make an appointment with a Newport Beach eye doctor that you can trust.