Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that causes vision loss. In dry macular degeneration, the centre of the retina deteriorates. However, wet macular degeneration causes leaky blood vessels to grow under the retina. Macular Degeneration is the name given to a group of chronic, degenerative retinal eye diseases that cause progressive loss of central vision, leaving the peripheral or side vision intact. It affects the ability to read, drive, recognise faces and perform activities that require detailed vision. Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness and severe vision loss in Australia as it is responsible for 50% of all cases of blindness. Here is a list of 9 steps that an individual could take to prevent or slow the progression of the condition:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat plenty of dark, leafy green vegetables such as raw spinach
- Eat fish
- Exercise regularly and maintain healthy weight
- Eat fruit and nuts daily/li>
- Limit intake of refine carbohydrates
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to block UV and blue light that may cause eye damage
- Have regular eye examinations
