Last week we discussed a few of the factors that make people, especially women, to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Although we can’t change our genetics, we can find ways to protect ourselves. Here are five more ways to keep your eyes (and your body) healthy.

1. Eat your spinach.

What Popeye didn’t know was that spinach is a rich source of lutein and zea-xanthin, powerful antioxidants that can reduce the risk of certain eye diseases, like AMD. Other good sources include any kind of leafy green vegetable such as collards and kale, as well as eggs and orange-colored fruits.

2. See your eye care professional regularly.

Schedule a full vision examination at least once every two years. Go more often if you have diabetes or any other eye-related condition. A full vision examination should include a dilated eye and tonometry exams. The dilated eye exam allows the doctor to exam the interior of the eye to check for  drusen. Drusen is comprised of small, yellow colored deposits on the retina.  The tonometry exam measures the pressure inside of your eye.

3. Get a walk in every day.

In one study, glaucoma patients who walked briskly four times per week for 40 minutes lowered the pressure within their eyes enough so they could stop taking their glaucoma medication.

4. Change your eye makeup every three to six months.

Although cosmetics have long shelf lives, but can become contaminated with bacteria after just one use, so it is good to keep track on how long you’ve been using the products.

5. Don’t fall asleep in your daily wear contact lenses.

Poor lens hygiene can lead to a range of nasty eye ailments, including microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, the clear frontal part of the eye where lenses sit. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent visual damage – and, in extreme cases, blindness.  In fact, don’t ever wear them longer than they’re designed to be worn.

 

Resources:

• http://www.healthywomen.org/condition/macular-degeneration
• http://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/leading-cause-blindness-may-surprise-you
• http://www.allaboutvision.com/smoking/
• http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/fatty_acid_1.htm