| Apart from the treatments, people who are already | | | | not only saving your eyes but also avoid the risk of |
| diagnosed for AMD can take some measures to | | | | several other diseases. People with high blood |
| improve their vision. There are several products | | | | pressure are more prone to AMD. Regular check up |
| available in the market to help people with low vision. | | | | of blood pressure and treating it is very essential for |
| This includes stand magnifiers, monoculars, binoculars, | | | | avoiding AMD. Pollution has damaged the natural |
| video magnifiers, reading machines and absorptive | | | | protection against sun's rays. So it is wise to wear |
| lenses. Most people get discouraged when using a | | | | sun glasses for protection from ultraviolet rays. A |
| particular device but you should not stop there try | | | | high fat diet is an invitation for AMD. A diet high in |
| out various devices until you find the most suitable | | | | fruits and vegetables and antioxidants can prevent |
| one for you. The lighting arrangement can be | | | | the disease to an extent. Including green vegetables |
| changed to suit your need. Try to avoid glare in your | | | | and fish also reduces the risk. Regular exercise and |
| home and office. Several types of special lights are | | | | maintaining an optimum weight are also crucial for |
| available and you can test them for your needs. If | | | | preventing AMD. Check Your Vision Daily To Detect |
| you are in the habit of reading, go for large print | | | | AMD Amsler Grid can be used to check your vision |
| books, which are available in most libraries. Hand held | | | | at home. It is quite similar to a graph paper and has a |
| magnifier can be used to read and view pictures. | | | | dark dot in the center. By using the Amsler Grid, you |
| While writing, write in large letters and increase the | | | | can detect early signs of AMD. Missing area, blurring, |
| font while reading and writing in computers. Patients | | | | wavy or broken links while watching Amsler Grid can |
| in the advanced stage can make use of low vision | | | | alert you against AMD. Early detection of AMD is |
| aids. Prevention is better than cure Healthy habits can | | | | very vital for controlling it. An Amsler Grid can be |
| lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration. If | | | | easily printed or you can watch it in your computer |
| there is a family history of AMD, you should take | | | | screen. 1) While looking at Amsler Grid, make sure |
| necessary precautions like consulting an | | | | that you wear your glasses if you have one. 2) Sit or |
| ophthalmologist. As the disease mostly affects adults | | | | stand about 15 inches away from the grid. 3) Look at |
| above 50, they should make periodical visit to the | | | | the dark dot in the middle. 4) While focusing on the |
| ophthalmologist. Taking nutritional supplements after | | | | dark dot, you should be able to clearly see the lines. |
| consulting a doctor can be very helpful for | | | | 5) If you see any missing lines or if they are blurred |
| middle-aged people and those with family history of | | | | or wavy, immediately contact an ophthalmologist. 6) |
| AMD. Researches have already established a direct | | | | If there is no problem when you watched the grid |
| relation between smoking and AMD. Lutein, an | | | | with both eyes, repeat the exercise by closing one |
| antioxidant, plays a major role in protecting the retina | | | | eye at a time. This is because AMD can affect one |
| from ultraviolet rays. Tobacco hampers the | | | | eye but the other eye makes up for it. |
| absorption of lutein. By stopping to smoke, you are | | | | |