From the Guidelines
Lifestyle plays a crucial role in affecting macular degeneration risk and progression, with smoking being the most significant modifiable risk factor. According to the most recent study 1, cigarette smoking has been consistently identified as a risk factor for progression of AMD, and the risk increases relative to the number of pack-years smoked. A diet rich in antioxidants, particularly dark leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish like salmon and mackerel, helps protect the macula 1. Regular exercise reduces risk by improving circulation and controlling weight, while maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication if prescribed by your doctor is important as cardiovascular health directly impacts eye health.
Key Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking cessation: reducing the risk of AMD progression 1
- Diet: rich in antioxidants, particularly dark leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish like salmon and mackerel 1
- Exercise: regular physical activity to improve circulation and control weight
- Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels: through diet, exercise, and medication if prescribed by your doctor
- Sun protection: using UV-blocking sunglasses to prevent damage from harmful rays
Treatment and Prevention
For those already diagnosed with AMD, the AREDS2 vitamin formulation (containing vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin) may slow progression in intermediate to advanced cases 1. Early treatment of AMD is associated with a more favorable prognosis, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment given within 2 years after diagnosis of neovascular AMD in non-Hispanic white patients has been shown to reduce legal blindness and visual impairment 1. It is essential to prioritize a comprehensive eye examination to identify patients at higher risk and provide timely treatment.
From the Research
Lifestyle Factors and Macular Degeneration
- Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity, have been studied for their potential impact on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin may help reduce the risk of AMD 2, 3, 4, 5
- The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formulation, which includes vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc, has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD 3, 4, 5
- Physical activity has also been found to have a protective association with both early and late AMD 6
- Smoking and obesity are identified risk factors for AMD, and quitting smoking is an important advice to patients to prevent or slow the progress of AMD 5
Dietary Supplements and AMD
- Lutein and zeaxanthin supplements may be beneficial for AMD, particularly in place of beta-carotene, which may increase the risk of lung cancer in former smokers 3
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, may also have a protective effect against AMD 3, 4, 5
- Vitamin B and other antioxidants, such as those found in wolfberry, Gingko biloba, and berry anthocyanins, have been studied for their potential benefits, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness 5
Physical Activity and AMD
- Regular physical activity has been found to have a protective association with both early and late AMD 6
- The exact mechanisms by which physical activity reduces the risk of AMD are not fully understood, but may involve improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced antioxidant defenses 6