Seeing is easy, but we realize it’s also easily taken for granted when we begin to experience symptoms of vision loss. With the increased strain on our eyes from technology, to lifestyle choices, to increased stress, eye health issues are on the rise. Why are our eyes worse now than in previous years?
Let’s take a look at macular degeneration… what it is and how you can prevent it and other eye issues?
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye condition affecting the retina that causes vision loss or blind spots. AMD accounts for 8.7% of blindness in the world and affects around 196 million people.
There are two types of macular degeneration, a dry and wet version. The wet version is much less common but is responsible for 90% of blindness. This version causes quicker vision loss and can happen with late-stage macular degeneration.
The dry version of macular degeneration is much more common. It progresses much slower, typically over several years.
In both versions, blood vessels around the eye are affected causing permanent spots or patches of vision to form.
Unfortunately, this condition is degenerative meaning once it’s gone you can’t get it back, but there are things you can do to either slow the progression of the condition or prevent it from happening to you.
What Causes It? What are Risk Factors and Symptoms?
Age is a greater risk factor for muscular degeneration. It typically affects those ages 60 and older. It is also more prevalent among Europeans than any other race.
Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration
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Gender – women are more likely to have AMD than men.
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Eye color – those with lighter-colored iris are more likely to develop AMD.
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BMI – an increased BMI increases the risk of developing AMD.
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Smoking and drinking – these activities toxify your body and cause oxidative stress, and decrease antioxidant capacity.
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Poor diet choices – lack of nutrients also increases inflammation in the body making it more likely for blood vessels in the eyes to become damaged.
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Metabolic disorders – conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are also great risk factors for developing eye issues in the future.
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Stress – high levels of unmanaged stress and a lack of sleep also create inflammation in the body making it more likely for the individual to experience eye issues.
Common Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
- Distortions in vision
- Reduced central vision
- Difficulty adapting to spaces with dim light
- Blurriness when reading print
- Spots or patches of vision
If the disease progresses, it can become wet macular degeneration and quickly lead to blindness.
Macular degeneration is medically treated with laser and drug therapies. But there are less invasive and expensive routes that you can take!
Natural Remedies for Macular Degeneration and Eye Health
Loss of vision is yet another consequence of poor circulation and high levels of inflammation. Luckily there are some changes you can make to your daily activities that will in the long run help prevent eye disease or help to halt its progression of it. Here are some natural remedies to consider.
Decrease Inflammation
All degenerative processes involve inflammation. If you are unsure if your body is producing too much inflammation you can measure it through CRP or Platelet blood tests to get an idea of how much inflammation is in your body. However, typically if you are eating a lot of sugar or processed foods, smoking, or drinking, it is likely that your body has more inflammation than it is supposed to handle.
Sugar is gasoline for the inflammation fire, creates insulin resistance, and damages liver health. The Livingood Daily Lifestyle has an entire breakdown of inflammation, and how to manage it, and can help you identify hidden sugars in the food you’re eating.
Lower Stress
Did you know that stress and lack of sleep create even more inflammation? A lack of sleep creates more stress, which alone can lead to macular degeneration over time. To help manage your stress, use Lifestyle breathing techniques and adaptogenic herbs such as Rhodiola ashwagandha which are found in the Livingood Daily De-Stress supplement. Our Livingood Daily Calm can also help your body manage and reduce stress during the day.
Decrease Eye Strain
Overexposure to blue light is another cause of many of the eye issues we see today. Blue light is an unnatural light that makes the eye strain more. To reduce blue light strain, turn on night vision for your phone. If you look at a screen all day for work, blue light glasses can also help block some of those harmful, unnatural rays. Get filters on your computer and take frequent breaks from the screen. Just glancing away every now and again can lessen your exposure! And lastly, expose your eyes to sunlight a couple of seconds at a time so that your eyes can soak in real light. Just make sure not to overdo it.
Lower Insulin
The health of your liver is directly connected to the health of your eyes. To decrease your risk of macular degeneration, you have to decrease toxicity in your liver. Over-consuming sugar and fructose make our liver fatty and bogged down. Livingood Daily Detox or Livingood Daily Collagen with milk thistle and other super detoxing herbs will help to detox your liver along with intermittent fasting, and avoiding all sugars.
Omegas and Turmeric
Studies show that EPA and DHA found in fish oil have a direct link to eye health. Studies show that those who consume more fatty acids with these nutrients present can either delay age-related macular degeneration or even prevent it. Livingood Daily Omegas + Turmeric formulated with high-quality omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 plus highly absorbable turmeric is an easy and sure way to get your daily intake of fatty acids, EPA, and DHA to reduce inflammation and give your eyes the nutrients it needs.
Zinc and Vitamin A
Studies also show that daily intake of Zinc can actually slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration while Vitamin A or beta carotene is known for improving and maintaining eye health. Vitamin A has also been shown to prevent macular degeneration. Livingood Daily Eye Support combines Vitamin A, E, C, Lutein, and Zinc into one dose that you can take daily for eye health!
Lutein
Lutein is a type of carotenoid with amazing anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects. It is known for improving and even preventing macular degeneration. Lutein can be found in egg yolks, fruits, and veggies, especially dark leafy greens! If you aren’t able to get in your dark leafy greens on a daily basis, the Livingood Daily Greens is a super-easy way to get 15 servings of fruits and vegetables in every serving!
Summary
Your eyes are an important part of your health and experience in life. They can be affected by many things but with proper nutrition and protection, you can optimize your eye health. If you have a history of macular degeneration or eye issues in your family or you are currently experiencing symptoms, use these natural remedies to halt progression or help prevent it in the future.
