To prevent macular degeneration, it is important that we lead a healthy lifestyle, that we avoid tobacco and that we introduce foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as spinach, into our diet.
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease caused by the deterioration of the macula, the yellowish layer at the back of the eye, in the center of the retina. When it does not work properly, vision loses sharpness and visual acuity and becomes more blurred.
If you want to prevent the deterioration of the macula, you cannot miss our article: we present you the foods and nutrients that nourish the macula and that could be useful to stop its degeneration in the most natural way.
Symptoms of macular degeneration
The macula is the part of the eye that allows us to perceive fine and small details in the central area of the field of vision. The US National Library of Medicine points out that blurred vision could be a symptom of this disease and therefore, we should consult with the eye doctor.
Sometimes the onset of the disease is almost imperceptible, especially when we suffer it only in one of the two eyes. Other symptoms that may indicate the onset of the disease are a vision of distorted straight lines and dark or empty areas in the center of the visual field.
Risk factor’s
The Bright Focus Foundation explains that age, inheritance, and tobacco use are among the main risk factors. However, a diet rich in unhealthy fats, having some cholesterol levels and being obese can also have a great influence. In addition, women tend to suffer more.
Diagnosis
If we suffer from any of these symptoms, we should go to the ophthalmologist to assess our case, since in some cases it can rapidly worsen and cause loss of vision.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that there are two types of macular degeneration: dry or atrophic and wet or exudative.
- Dry or atrophic macular degeneration: it is the most frequent (8/10 people with macular generation have this class) and appears gradually. There is no treatment for it, but dietary changes may help slow its progress.
- Wet or exudative macular degeneration: it is less common and more serious. One of the possible causes is a lack of oxygen in the retina. Treatment is based on laser surgery or some drugs injected directly into the eye.
How is it treated?
Recently, some drugs have been developed to treat wet macular degeneration. This help stabilize and improve visual acuity in a small percentage, although degeneration is not slowed down for the most part. Another widely used treatment is laser surgery to reduce the number of blood vessels and control fluid leakage.
In general, to help slow down the deterioration of the macula naturally, we present some foods that contain the nutrients recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology: vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and copper.
Of course, we could take them directly as supplements. In the latter case, you should always check with your doctor beforehand, especially if you are a smoker.
1. Ginkgo biloba
Chinese natural medicine used ginkgo Biloba thousands of years ago to alleviate the symptoms of different discomforts. It is believed to be an oxygenator of the head and extremities, although there is no scientific data to prove this claim.
If it really were, it could help carry oxygen to the macula. For this reason, according to some studies, it is believed that it could help curb wet or exudative macular degeneration. Although in no case will it cure the disease, it could help us to slow down its progress. However, the data is not conclusive.
Ginkgo biloba should be taken in seasons, taking breaks so that the body does not get used to it. Therefore, we could take it for three-month seasons, resting for one or two months. We could consume it in the form of tablets or extracts, according to the indicated dose.
2. Red berries
Red berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and lutein, three components that according to a study published in Antioxidants would help combat the progression of macular degeneration.
We highlight blueberries, which in addition to consuming naturally we can also acquire in the form of extract, juice or tablets. We can also take bilberry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, cherry or red plum.
3. spinach
According to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, spinach is rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, vitamins of group B, chlorophyll, polyphenols, Omega 3 fatty acids and minerals. Thanks to these nutritional properties, it would help prevent macular degeneration. We will preferably consume it raw, in salads or in juices.
4. Black grape seed
Black grape seed is rich in flavonoids, antioxidant substances that could prevent macular degeneration. These are mainly found on the skin of it. We can prepare our own juice by liquefying grapes with their seed or directly taking an extract. In this case, we would take the dose of 40 to 60 mg a day.
5. Egg yolk
Some studies have shown that by eating egg yolks regularly, people over the age of 60 can reduce the risk of age-related vision loss. Egg yolks are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, both nutrients that promote the production of visual pigments so they could be beneficial.
If you suffer from macular degeneration, consult with your ophthalmologist about the possible modifications of your diet that could benefit you to slow down the rapid progress of your condition. A little change can go a long way.