Age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading single cause of irreversible sight loss in the developed world. With the more common form, dry AMD, affecting around 90% of people with AMD,
While there is currently no cure, a combination of cutting‑edge treatments and lifestyle strategies can significantly slow progression. In this guide, we cover ten essential tips for macular degeneration prevention.
How To Prevent Macular Degeneration
1. Know Your Risk: Early Detection Is Vital
At Dry AMD Clinic, we begin every patient journey with comprehensive retinal imaging, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and macular health assessments. These technologies help us identify the earliest signs of AMD, often before any symptoms are noticeable.
Early detection means we can tailor a prevention strategy, including therapeutic light treatment, nutritional support, and lifestyle guidance, before vision is significantly affected. We also provide tools like the Amsler Grid for home monitoring, which allows patients to stay actively involved in their eye health.
2. Quit Smoking Immediately
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for both the development and progression of AMD. It accelerates oxidative stress in retinal tissues and restricts the blood supply to the macula, the central part of your vision.
We always stress the importance of quitting smoking as one of the most impactful steps anyone can take to protect their eyesight. For patients who smoke, we recommend accessing NHS stop-smoking services or using structured cessation tools to help break the habit permanently.
3. Follow an Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Your diet plays a powerful role in supporting retinal health. Foods rich in antioxidants and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin help protect the macula from oxidative damage. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish have anti-inflammatory properties that support retinal function.
Include plenty of dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, egg yolks, oily fish like salmon and sardines, and nuts and seeds. These foods provide the essential nutrients needed to naturally fortify the eyes. For those unable to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone, we may recommend specific supplements based on AREDS2 research.
4. Protect Your Eyes from UV
Chronic exposure to UV radiation can damage the retina over time and contribute to AMD. Light protection is a simple but effective preventative measure that we regularly highlight during consultations.
Wearing sunglasses with certified UV400 or CE-marked lenses, along with wide-brimmed hats during sunny weather, significantly reduces UV exposure. These small adjustments go a long way toward safeguarding your macula over the long term.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Stay Active
Excess weight and sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, which in turn compromise retinal blood flow and accelerate macular damage. Addressing weight and fitness levels can lead to improvements in both general and ocular health.
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or even gardening, helps lower inflammation and improve blood flow to the retina. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. These daily habits are a cornerstone of how to stop macular degeneration in a natural way.
6. Use Supplements to Support Eye Health
While a balanced diet is ideal, many patients - especially those with intermediate AMD - may benefit from targeted supplementation. The AREDS2 clinical trial recommends a specific combination of antioxidants and minerals shown to reduce progression in certain cases.
We often advise considering a formula containing 10mg of lutein, 2mg of zeaxanthin, along with vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper. Before starting any supplement, we assess your clinical stage and dietary intake to ensure safety and effectiveness. When used appropriately, these supplements can strengthen natural defences in the retina.
7. Consider Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy
At Dry AMD Clinic, photobiomodulation therapy is a core treatment we provide to support macular health. PBM uses specific wavelengths of light - red (630 nm) and yellow (590 nm) - to stimulate the mitochondria within retinal cells. This encourages the production of cellular energy (ATP), reduces oxidative stress, and promotes natural repair mechanisms.
A standard treatment plan involves an initial course of eight sessions over four weeks, followed by ongoing maintenance sessions every few months. It’s completely painless, drug-free, and well-tolerated. Many patients report improvements in visual clarity and contrast sensitivity. PBM is one of the most exciting natural interventions available today and is supported by a growing body of scientific evidence.
8. Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Maintaining good cardiovascular health is essential in preserving your vision. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels can impair blood flow to the retina and exacerbate oxidative stress in macular tissues.
We advise regular monitoring of your blood pressure and cholesterol, especially for patients with a history of heart disease, diabetes, or high BMI. Managing these conditions through medication, dietary changes, and exercise not only benefits your overall health but plays a vital role in slowing AMD progression.
9. Personalised Monitoring and Ongoing Support
Every case of AMD is unique, which is why we take a personalised approach to your care. At Dry AMD Clinic, we track changes in your retinal health using advanced imaging and analysis, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
We schedule regular OCT scans to measure drusen size, retinal thickness, and signs of geographic atrophy. This allows us to act swiftly if the condition changes. In between visits, we equip patients with tools like the Amsler Grid for self-monitoring at home. This partnership in care ensures you remain proactive and informed.
10. Stay Informed About New Research and Treatments
The landscape of dry AMD treatment is evolving quickly. New developments such as complement inhibitors, gene therapies, and retinal implants are progressing through clinical trials. Although many are still in the early stages, some show promising potential in slowing disease progression and even restoring function.
At Dry AMD Clinic, we stay abreast of the latest scientific findings and can provide guidance on new therapies as they become available. When appropriate, we may also inform eligible patients about participation in ongoing trials or referrals to retinal specialists.
Why Choose Dry AMD Clinic?
As one of the few UK clinics dedicated entirely to dry AMD, we pride ourselves on delivering evidence-based, cutting edge treatments that target macular degeneration effectively.
Get in touch with us today to book your appointment and find out more about how Dry AMD Clinic can help you.