Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Five Lifestyle Changes That Could Protect Your Vision

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ranks among the leading causes of vision loss in Americans over 60, affecting millions of older adults nationwide. The progressive condition, which typically develops in patients over 50, gradually impairs central vision and can significantly impact quality of life.

“We are moving toward a world where we don’t just react to vision loss — we can intercept it and take measures to delay what used to be inevitable for many patients,” explains Dr. Vaidehi Dedania, an ophthalmologist at NYU Langone Health.

AMD has no cure, making early detection and prevention critical. As the condition advances, patients may notice wavy straight lines, dark spots, or blurred central vision. These visual impairments can have particularly devastating consequences for seniors, often leading to increased falls, decreased mobility, and loss of independence.

While genetics and aging remain the primary risk factors, Dr. Dedania highlights five lifestyle modifications that may reduce both the risk and severity of the disease.

Smoking Cessation: A Critical First Step

Smoking significantly increases AMD risk through oxidative stress that damages retinal cells. The habit not only raises the likelihood of developing the condition but can accelerate its progression and reduce treatment effectiveness.

“We really encourage people who smoke to stop smoking, especially if they have family members with this condition,” Dr. Dedania emphasizes. The good news is that quitting can substantially reduce risk over time – those who stopped smoking 20 years ago may have a risk level similar to non-smokers whose risk is based primarily on age and genetics.

Nutrition’s Protective Role

Diet plays a crucial role in AMD prevention and management. Research from the University of California, Davis has linked diets high in processed foods, sugar, and fat with increased macular degeneration risk, potentially due to disruptions in the gut microbiome.

“These are things that are currently still being explored, but we definitely know that our diet affects our risk of macular degeneration and how advanced it’s going to be,” says Dr. Dedania.

She particularly recommends the Mediterranean diet and incorporating more leafy greens to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which may provide protective benefits against AMD progression.

Targeted Supplementation

For those at higher risk or in intermediate stages of AMD, specific supplements can help slow disease progression. The AREDS2 formula – a specialized combination of vitamins and minerals studied in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 – has shown clinical efficacy in delaying AMD advancement.

“While patients can take these supplements early on, we really only have data to show that it helps after they’ve already reached the intermediate stage,” Dr. Dedania notes.

She cautions patients to specifically look for supplements labeled “AREDS2,” as earlier formulations contained beta-carotene, which has since been removed due to increased lung cancer risk in smokers.

Regular Exercise Benefits

Physical activity represents another pillar in AMD prevention. “Exercise falls into the overall balance of a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Dedania explains. “We know that exercise also diminishes oxidative stress, and there are studies that show that it benefits patients with macular degeneration in terms of their risk of advanced disease.”

Regular movement contributes to overall well-being while potentially slowing disease progression through multiple physiological pathways, including reduced inflammation and improved circulation.

Routine Eye Examinations

Perhaps most crucial is regular professional eye care, as AMD often progresses silently in its early stages. “Patients may have macular degeneration and they don’t know,” cautions Dr. Dedania, noting that symptoms typically don’t appear until intermediate or advanced stages.

“It is important for patients 50 and above to have a general eye exam and come equipped with the knowledge of whether they have family members with macular degeneration,” she advises.

Through this comprehensive approach combining smoking cessation, proper nutrition, targeted supplementation, regular exercise, and routine screenings, patients have more tools than ever to protect their vision as they age. While AMD remains a significant public health challenge, these preventative measures offer promising paths to preserve sight and maintain independence for millions of older Americans.