How to prevent and manage macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Whether or not the disease runs in your family, there are several recommended steps you can take to help prevent it or slow its progression, says Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD, a retinal surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC.

• Have regular eye exams. Anyone over 50 should schedule an annual exam with their ophthalmologist to check for changes to their retina and macula. The tests are non-invasive and done quickly in your doctor’s office. Early discovery of the disease is key because there are treatments available that may slow down macular degeneration and the sooner you start them, the more effective they will be.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking has been linked to a higher likelihood of developing macular degeneration.
• Maintain a healthy diet. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet rich in fruits and green, leafy vegetables can help with eye health. Adding fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, into your diet once or twice a week can also help.
• Ask your doctor about supplements. Nutritional supplements that contain lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) may help slow down the progression of early macular degeneration.
• Wear sunglasses when outside. Select a pair with ultraviolet radiation (UV) protection as exposure to UV light can damage the retina and may increase the odds of developing macular degeneration.