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A 44-year-old female asked:

Is there a preventive treatment for macula degeneration?

4 doctor answers8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Neil Notaroberto
Ophthalmology 31 years experience
AMD: Age-related macular degeneration is a disease with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. If you currently do not have the disease then you can control the modifiable risk factors. These would include a healthy diet high in anti-oxidants, protection from harmful uv light (sunlight), and cessation of tobacco use. There is much more to this topic though and not enough space to do it justice.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Tim Conrad
Ophthalmology 36 years experience
Yes: You can reduce your risk by not smoking, wearing glasses or sunglasses or a hat when outdoors, eating fish at least biweekly (or taking fish oil), and taking anti-oxidant vitamins. And of course, get an annual eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Colin McCannel
Retinal Surgery 32 years experience
Risk reduction: yes: The best studied preventive intervention (treatment) for macular degeneration is vitamin supplementation. There is an approximately 25% risk reduction of severe vision loss with the vitamin/supplement combination studies in the areds studies. Look for the label "areds" or areds 2" formula on the package. This formula has the best and only "scientific proof" of helping.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Richard Bensinger
Ophthalmology 54 years experience
Not really: This age related condition currently is of unknown cause and origin. There is a relationship to smoking, so it is always a good idea to stop this. But no known surgery, or medication can prevent macular degeneration from arising.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Sep 23, 2019

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