How to Protect Your Vision / Age-related Macular Degeneration

To protect your vision, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Your eye care professional may ask you to look at an Age-related macular degeneration Amsler grid to determine if you are showing signs of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Ask your doctor for an Amsler grid so you can use the grid every day to check your vision.

• Eat a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
• Don't smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Be active.

Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays and high-energy visible (HEV) radiation.

Some research has found that people who got the most zinc, beta carotene, omega-3 fatty acids or lutein/xeaxanthin in their diets were less likely to develop age-related Macular Degeneration than the people who had a low intake of those nutrients.

Foods high in zinc: Oysters, red meat, toasted wheat germ, dark chocolate and cocoa powder, nuts, beans.

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseeds, walnuts, scallops and oily fish like salmon, sardines, halibut and tuna.

Foods high in beta carotene: Carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, green peppers, apricots, cantaloupe.

Foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin: Eggs, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens.