AMD is a painless eye condition. It causes deterioration of the macula, the most delicate piece of the retina. Macula is a small spot close to the focal point of the retina and the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision, which lets us see objects that are straight ahead. It is densely packed with rods and cones.

According to Nation Eye Institute (NEI) under NIH, AMD is the major cause behind loss of vision in old age. Advance AMD is treated through Laser surgery, Photodynamic therapy or Avastin, Lucentis or Eylea eye drops and injections.

However, prevention is always better than cure. Below are some solid natural remedies that may help you lessen the danger of AMD or slow its progression:

1.      Dark Green, Leafy Vegetables

These are low in fat, high in dietary fiber, rich in folic acid, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and in addition phytochemicals, for example, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. About 78% of dark green vegetables are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Both are carotenoids highly concentrated in the eye lens and the macular region. They help us identify colours and see fine details. Together with meso-zeaxanthin (converted from lutein in the macula) form the macular pigment. They assume a key part in protecting the eye. This is mostly from environmental damage caused by pollutants, smoking among others. Protection is achieved by interaction with free radicals and filtering out of damaging blue light. Interaction of oxygen with certain properties in the body leads to formation of free radicals. The retina is most susceptible due to the high demand for oxygen.

2.      Eat Berries

This is specifically, bilberry also referred to as blueberry. Bilberry is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are water-soluble polyphenols flavanoid compounds found mainly in the skin of the berries. Flavanoids are good for small blood vessels and prevent the build-up of toxins. Their blue/ black colour and high antioxidant content are due to these polyphenolic compounds. Antioxidants protect the retina from oxidative stress. They help anticipate AMD by supplying free radicals with the missing electron needed to balance the cell. By so doing, it leads to neutralization and renders them unable to damage the matrix (such as the macula and macula pigment of the eye) of healthy cells and tissues.

3.      Quit Smoking

Smoking doubles the risk of AMD. Cigarette smoking has toxic effects on the retina. Many of the chemicals contained in the cigarette smoke are free radicals such as arsenic, ammonia and formaldehyde. These decrease the level of antioxidants as well as the body’s ability to protect itself. Tar and nicotine are components of the particulate phase. Tar contains numerous pro-oxidant compounds, hydroquinone being the most abundant. It causes formation of deposits in the retina. Nicotine has been shown to be mitogenic for vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle pericytes, to reduce apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells and to induce the formation of capillary tubes. Smoking causes circulatory disorder of the vessels which leads to reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching the choroid. It also increases the overall blood pressure; remembering that high blood pressure is a risk factor of AMD.

4.      Wear UV and Blue Light Protecting Sunglasses

Ultraviolet radiation light is part of the non-visible light spectrum and falls just beyond the shorter end of the visible spectrum. It usually has three divisions; UV-A, UV-B, UV-C.  UV-A and UV-B present negative effects on both the eyes and vision. Long term exposure to UV rays contributes to AMD development. While outside, effective defences against harmful UV rays are sunglasses and a wide-overflowed hat. The lenses should be made from polycarbonate material. For long exposures outside, wrap around frames are advisable for protection from harmful solar radiation.  Chronic exposure to blue light (‘near UV’) might likewise be destructive to the retina. Blue light is one of the shortest, highest-energy wavelengths. It is emitted by fluorescent light, PC screens and numerous other electronic gadgets. Being shorter, these blue wavelengths flicker more effortlessly than longer, weaker wavelengths. This kind of flickering creates a glare that can decrease visual differentiation and influence sharpness and clarity. Wearing of computer glasses/ melanin lenses is effective in absorbing glare and harmful rays.

5.      Intake of Omega-3 Foods

Cold water fish are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Decosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the end product of these fatty acids is the major component of the retina photoreceptors.  Omega-3, possess anti-inflammatory effects. Their conversion into neuroprotectin, protects against oxidative induced apoptosis in the retina. In addition, they are also responsible for fluidity and supply to the photoreceptor membrane.

You can get more eye care tips on dark circles, glaucoma and on ocular and ophthalmological conditions at http://healthncare.info/