Healthy living is important to healthy eyes. Systemic illnesses and toxins can affect ocular health so it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Diseases such as diabetes, and high blood pressure can severely damage the eyes and lead to blindness. It is very important to maintain good blood sugar levels. This will involve a healthy diet, exercise, and sometimes medications. Similarly patients with high blood pressure are at increased risk of retinal complications. The retina is the “seeing film” of the eye. Damage to this structure can lead to a decline in the vision. Good blood pressure control is essential in preventing these complications. Smoking has been linked to the development of Age Related Macular Degeneration. Even second hand smoke can contribute to ocular damage. Therefore, it is very important to stay away from cigarettes.
Many medications can have adverse ocular effects. Most commonly, steroids such as prednisone or ever nasal steroids taken for allergies can lead to glaucoma and cataracts. It is very important to have regular comprehensive examinations for early detection.
Plaquenil or Hydroxychloroquine is a medicine frequently used for Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. Chronic use of this medicine can lead to damage to the retina. Early detection with specialized testing is recommended for all patients taking Plaquenil. The damage from Plaquenil can be permanent. With early detection, the medicine can be stopped preventing further damage.
Gilenya is a medicine used to treat Multiple Sclerosis. This medicine can cause Macular Edema which a condition where swelling develops in an area of the retina. A dilated examination with specialized testing
Age Related Macular Degeneration and use of nutritional supplements
Taking vitamins and supplements for people with normal eyes has not been shown to be beneficial. A diet rich is anti-oxidants with green leafy vegetables can adequately support eye health. However, in patients with Age Related Macular Degeneration, studies done by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Eye Institute (NEI) have shown that certain nutritional supplements can help in slowing the progression of this disease. Age Related Macular Degeneration Study 2 or AREDS 2 study by the NEI and the NIH showed the following supplement helped patient with Macular Degeneration:
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthine
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Copper
- Zinc
Use of these supplements in the correct doses was shown to slow down the progression of Macular Degeneration.