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Macular degeneration: Nutrition and therapies that help manage it

Macular degeneration is a condition that compromises vision due to gradual deterioration of the retina. This condition is characterized in two segments: wet and dry macular degeneration. The ultimate symptom of both these conditions is loss of vision. However, wet macular degeneration also accompanies leaky blood vessels under the retina. This article focuses on a food regimen for macular degeneration and discusses medications and therapies that aim to improve the said condition.

Foods to eat

Spinach, kale, and carrots
Vegetables that are dark in color are often recommended to patients with macular degeneration. They are high in carotenoid, a nutrient that is helpful in preventing vision loss. Some other vegetables that fit this category include sweet potatoes and colored peppers.

Oranges and sweet lime
Fruits that are a rich source of vitamin C help prevent vision loss and promote the build-up of collagen in the body. Generous amounts of collagen alleviate the build-up of leaky blood vessels, which is a symptom of wet macular generation. Besides oranges and sweet lime, fruits like pineapple, kiwi, and berries are also potent sources of vitamin C.

Fatty fish
Foods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can help prevent the development of macular degeneration as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Besides, this nutrient also promotes eye health, preventing premature loss of vision. These foods contain unsaturated fats and vitamin E, both of which help unclog blood vessels.

Foods to avoid

Canned foods
Patients with macular degeneration must avoid processed foods, and canned sodas as these come with high levels of sodium and fats. The saturated fats that these foods contain can clog up the blood vessels and arteries, enhancing the chances of leaky blood vessels in people with macular degeneration.

Sugary drinks
Carbonated and sugary drinks contain unhealthy amounts of sugar, which can be fatal to eye health and the body’s overall health. As a result, they should be avoided.

Medication and therapies that help with macular degeneration
Besides nutritional treatment, patients with macular degeneration also have to rely on medications to prevent further damage to their vision.

Laser photocoagulation
This is the most convenient way of treating wet macular degeneration. In this, medication is administered intravenously, and the laser activates the medicines. This form of macular degeneration treatment relies on low-level, non-thermal shining laser light that’s distributed into the patient’s eye.

Eye injections
Medications like anti-VEGF, Eylea, Lucentis, Avastin, and BioUV are administered through timely injections in the eyes. These medicines are made to prevent vision loss and any associated symptoms of macular degeneration.

Gene therapy
This is an alternative option of timely injections, although the procedure remains the same. This therapy involves getting an injection in a surgical procedure, enabling the eyes to produce anti-VEGF medicine. This procedure eliminates the need for timely injections.

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