Macular Degeneration and Healthy Living
By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International
The National Institutes of Health recently awarded ApeX Therapeutics and its co-founder Mark R. Kelley, Ph.D., a professor for Indiana University’s School of Medicine, a $225,000 Small Business Transfer to aid in the development of new treatments for age-related macular degeneration. When studying a protein called APE1 and its activities in the development of tumors, Dr. Kelley and his colleagues found that it had anti-angiogenesis effects, thus taking his research into a new direction. This research and focus on finding a new way to treat macular degeneration will be extremely valuable, as more than seven million Americans are at risk for developing macular degeneration [1].
Macular degeneration of the eye occurs when there is a degeneration of the macula, which is part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. If this happens, central vision loss is common. So what are some ways to keep your vision acute? There are tips that can help prevent your eyesight from worsening as you age.
* Eat healthy: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is good for your eyes and the rest of your body. The vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients found in these tasty items help maintain sharp vision, especially through vitamins A and E. In addition, avoid eating fried foods all the time. These fatty foods contain free radicals, which can reduce the ability to retain antioxidants. Further, add some fish or fish supplements into your diet. The Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely good for you.
* Don’t smoke: We all know smoking is bad for you, as well as those around you. But it can also have a devastating effect on the eyes, as it constricts blood vessels in the body as well as your eyes.
* Protect your eyes: When you go outside, shade your eyes or wear glasses that block out ultraviolet radiation.
* Don’t overindulge in alcohol: Too much of anything is never good, especially when it has to do with alcohol. Having one glass of wine a day has been shown to actually help avoid macular degeneration, but if you drink more than that, you are putting yourself at risk for night blindness and even double vision.
* Exercise: Getting daily exercise has been shown to help reduce age-related macular degeneration. It also keeps the rest of your body in shape and gives you more energy to face the day.
* Get your eyes checked: Routine eye exams are vital to maintaining healthy eyes. Your eye doctor can check for major problems and can offer you necessary prescriptions or tips to making sure your vision is as sharp as possible. [2]
Your vision is one of the most important senses we have. It would be hard to imagine life without it, so make sure to follow these necessary tips to preserve your vision and keep it going strong as you age.
References
[1] Cancer Research Takes Turn, Offers Potential Treatment for Macular Degeneration. Medical News Today. Accessed on the Web September 29, 2009. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165448.php
[2] Avoiding Poor Eyesight and Macular Degeneration Through Healthy Living. Associated Content. Accessed on the Web September 29, 2009. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/420048/avoiding_poor_eyesight_and_macular_pg2.html?cat=70
Macular degeneration of the eye occurs when there is a degeneration of the macula, which is part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. If this happens, central vision loss is common. So what are some ways to keep your vision acute? There are tips that can help prevent your eyesight from worsening as you age.
* Eat healthy: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is good for your eyes and the rest of your body. The vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients found in these tasty items help maintain sharp vision, especially through vitamins A and E. In addition, avoid eating fried foods all the time. These fatty foods contain free radicals, which can reduce the ability to retain antioxidants. Further, add some fish or fish supplements into your diet. The Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely good for you.
* Don’t smoke: We all know smoking is bad for you, as well as those around you. But it can also have a devastating effect on the eyes, as it constricts blood vessels in the body as well as your eyes.
* Protect your eyes: When you go outside, shade your eyes or wear glasses that block out ultraviolet radiation.
* Don’t overindulge in alcohol: Too much of anything is never good, especially when it has to do with alcohol. Having one glass of wine a day has been shown to actually help avoid macular degeneration, but if you drink more than that, you are putting yourself at risk for night blindness and even double vision.
* Exercise: Getting daily exercise has been shown to help reduce age-related macular degeneration. It also keeps the rest of your body in shape and gives you more energy to face the day.
* Get your eyes checked: Routine eye exams are vital to maintaining healthy eyes. Your eye doctor can check for major problems and can offer you necessary prescriptions or tips to making sure your vision is as sharp as possible. [2]
Your vision is one of the most important senses we have. It would be hard to imagine life without it, so make sure to follow these necessary tips to preserve your vision and keep it going strong as you age.
References
[1] Cancer Research Takes Turn, Offers Potential Treatment for Macular Degeneration. Medical News Today. Accessed on the Web September 29, 2009. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165448.php
[2] Avoiding Poor Eyesight and Macular Degeneration Through Healthy Living. Associated Content. Accessed on the Web September 29, 2009. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/420048/avoiding_poor_eyesight_and_macular_pg2.html?cat=70
posted by MedRounds Publications at 6:53 PM
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