Source: Fox News
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among adults over 60, impacting millions of Americans. While genetics and aging are main risk factors, lifestyle changes can decrease the risk and severity of the disease. Dr. Vaidehi Dedania at NYU Langone Health shares five lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of AMD: quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, taking certain supplements, exercising regularly, and getting routine eye exams. Early detection and prevention are key, as AMD has no cure.
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The advice sounds familiar.
Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration have been touted before. Dr. Dedania’s recommendations echo previous studies and expert advice. The emphasis on quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly is not new. The recommendation to take certain supplements, such as AREDS2, has been around since the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2. The importance of routine eye exams has been a consistent message from eye care professionals.
It’s a reminder that the “new” advice is often a reiteration of what we already know.
The familiarity of this advice raises questions about how we process and act on health guidance.
Do we need reminders of what we already know, or do we need new information to spark change?
How do we balance the comfort of familiar advice with the need for innovative solutions to age-old health concerns?
Author: Evan Null
