Can macular degeneration be prevented?
The cause of macular degeneration is not clearly understood and thus, methods of prevention are unproven. Demographic studies examining people with macular degeneration and their common characteristics suggest that there may be ways to minimize one’s risk for developing macular degeneration. These include cessation of smoking, wearing sunglasses to prevent exposure to ultraviolet light, the harmful radiation from the sun, and eating a diet containing antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin. Although studies examining these interventions have produced conflicting results with regard to preventing or minimizing macular degeneration, studies showing the general health value of stopping smoking and eating a diet rich in antioxidants are well supported. (Back to top.
Related Questions
- Do you or someone you know have low vision caused by Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Diabetes, or another vision condition?
- What is photodynamic therapy, when is it used to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and what are the risks/benefits?
- What is age related macular degeneration (ARMD)?
