Did you know that age-related macular degeneration can eventually cause vision loss? It happens in three main steps, and unfortunately, the first two are almost impossible to notice before bringing in a San Antonio optometrist. Unfortunately, many people do not know they have macular degeneration until it is too late. Here are a few tips to reverse age-related macular degeneration in San Antonio.
- Diet
Some foods may help undo the signs of macular degeneration. They give you the nutrients to retain good vision. These foods include:
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Fish
- Nuts
- Carrots
- Avocado
- peanuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Soymilk
- Crab
- Salmon
- Sardines
Making the right nutritional changes may help with dry macular degeneration. Nutritional therapies slow down the progression of the disease and prevent it from advancing into wet macular degeneration.
According to the National Eye Institute studies, increasing your intake of Vitamins A, C, and E may be tremendous for your health. Lutein and zinc sources could also be helpful. Before beginning a nutritional plan, discuss your options with your eye and primary care doctor. They will advise you on the best foods to take.
- Supplements
Consider taking supplements to reverse or slow down the symptoms of macular degeneration. According to the National Eye Institute, taking mineral and vitamin supplements may ease the symptoms of macular degeneration. Taking a daily dose of vitamins C and E, carotene, and copper can yield impressive results.
- Drug Therapy
If you have a severe case of wet macular degeneration, you may benefit from various FDA-approved drugs. Options that have yielded promising results include Avastin, Evison, Macugen, and Lucentis. They are effective in clinical trials and patient therapy.
- Photodynamic Therapy
This method has been proven to help with wet macular degeneration. Even though it is relatively new, its benefits are unquestionable. During the treatment, the doctor will inject a dye that is passed to your retina through the bloodstream. A low-energy laser is used to destroy leaky blood vessels without posing harm to healthy eye tissues.
- Surgery for the Implantation of Telescopic Lens
Some people with dry macular degeneration may have only one option to reverse the effects of the disease. They may need surgery to implant a telescopic lens in their eye.
The lens looks like a little plastic tube, but it is fitted with the lens to magnify their field of vision. It improves your close-up vision as well as distance vision. However, the obtained field of view may be very narrow.
- Low Vision Aids
These devices come with unique electronic systems or lenses that may improve your vision. They make nearby objects appear more prominent and can help you make the most of your vision. Even though low vision aids won’t reverse macular degeneration, they help you take advantage of the remaining vision.
Although age-related macular degeneration won’t necessarily lead to complete blindness, it may reduce your central vision, which you need to carry on tasks like reading and driving. Your low-vision rehabilitation specialist should help you.
Macular degeneration is a serious problem, and there are a few ways to manage it. Early detection makes it possible to reverse the signs or get the most from your remaining vision.
