Reducing the Risk of AMD Through Smart Dietary Choices

Eating healthily is an important part of any good optical care regimen. Your diet can greatly affect the health of your eyes. A recent study from the University of Buffalo found that certain dietary choices may reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people ages 70 and above. Our specialists at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic are here to provide you with some diet recommendations that may help you steer clear of AMD.

The Likely Culprits

Your eye doctor may have warned you that eating too much processed red meat can be detrimental to your eyesight. High-fat dairy products, grains and fried foods can also accelerate AMD development. While these foods may seem like staples, simply avoiding high-fat and high-sugar foods can help significantly.

Regular Eye Exams

AMD develops in phases. It’s difficult to diagnose in its early stages. While most cases do not progress to late AMD and vision loss, it’s still important to consult with an eye specialist regularly to help catch the condition early on. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and avoiding high-risk foods can help keep AMD in check.

Recommended Foods

Talk to your optometrist to get more information about the foods you should add to your daily intake. These can include green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and lettuce. These types of food are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are helpful in reducing the risk of AMD as well as cataracts.

Get more eye care tips from our optometrists and eye specialists at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic, your number one eye care provider. Give us a call at (425) 771-8472 or fill out our online form to request an appointment today. We serve patients in Bothell, WA, and nearby areas.