Macular Degeneration and Cataracts – What You Need to Know
Macular degeneration and cataracts are the two most common eye diseases affecting millions of Americans. Macular degeneration is a condition that affects the retina, leading to vision problems. It can cause blurriness, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and even blindness. Unfortunately, this eye disease is more common in adults over 50 years old.
Cataracts, on the other hand, are cloudiness in the lens of your eyes, leading to vision problems. It can cause blurred vision or difficulty seeing at night. Over time, cataracts may worsen until it becomes challenging to perform daily activities such as driving or reading.
Preventing these eye diseases involves practicing good eye care habits. To reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, you should wear sunglasses when outdoors and protect your eyes from excessive UV light exposure. You should also eat a healthy diet that includes leafy greens and omega-3-rich foods like salmon or chia seeds since these nutrients help maintain healthy eyes.
Additionally, regular eye exams can help detect any eye problems early before they affect your vision severely. If you already have these eye diseases or conditions that increase your risk for them, taking eye health supplements containing vitamins C, E, zinc or lutein may be helpful.
Remember to take care of your eyes to prevent vision problems caused by macular degeneration or cataracts.