AARP Hearing Center
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Thoughtful aging requires being proactive while managing medical conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But it may feel overwhelming to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes juggling doctor visits, consistent exercise, and nutritious eating.
What’s the secret to simplifying personal healthcare? Look for products and activities that can positively impact multiple issues at once. You’ll have the ease of creating (and sticking to) healthy habits while at the same time treating conditions you already have.
If you suffer from AMD, managing your eye health while building healthy habits is even more critical.
Good news – research shows you may be able to lower your risk of vision loss from AMD by not smoking, getting regular physical activity, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and adding leafy greens and fish to your diet1.
For those living with AMD, here are three more ways you could improve your eye health.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
1. Make regular doctor appointments
A crucial part of preventative healthcare is seeing your primary care doctor for an annual checkup. This allows you to track any changes in your health you’ve noticed over the past year. Plus, you can discuss specific strategies to help you create consistent, healthy habits.
In addition, you’ll need to see your eye doctor yearly for regular dilated eye exams. AMD can be diagnosed only by your eye doctor, and they can lead your treatment plan to manage the progression of your AMD.
2. Take a holistic health approach
Your eye health doesn’t exist in a silo. The way you treat your body overall has an impact on both general and eye health. For example, for general health and well-being, doctors advise not smoking, avoiding a high-fat diet, and prioritizing regular exercise – even if it’s as simple as taking a walk.
All of these recommendations are tied to beneficial health outcomes, like reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and increased longevity. They help keep your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure at healthy levels, too. Similarly, eye health has been shown to benefit from healthy eating and quitting smoking as well.
