What you can do to reduce your risk of Macular Degeneration

Over the last few weeks, we have discussed nutrients that reduce the risk of AMD. Here is what else you can do to reduce your risk of AMD listed in order of importance:
1. Quit smoking. Most studies show that smokers have a two to four times greater risk of developing severe AMD than nonsmokers. This is two hundred to four hundred percent! Compare this to a 25% percent reduction of AMD if you take the AREDS supplements. Smoking is by far the biggest risk factor that you can control.
2. Control your blood pressure. Doctors used to believe that a blood pressure of 150/90 was in good control. Patients with AMD should shoot for a blood pressure of 140/80 or lower.
3. Lose weight until you are in the normal range. Fat, especially fat around the middle, seems to increase the risk of AMD.
4. Get your cholesterol checked. If it is high, take a drug from the statin group. Statin type drugs that are currently on the market include: atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). There is good evidence, but not yet proof, that these drugs may reduce the risk of AMD and also of Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Protect your eyes against excess light by wearing a hat with a brim and good sunglasses. The hypothesis that light toxicity causes AMD has lost support recently but it still makes sense to protect your eyes.