Healthy living

We hope you have not been diagnosed with macular disease. But perhaps your optometrist has advised that you might be at risk?

A healthy lifestyle is an important part of looking after your eyes. There are lots of things you can do to maintain good eye health. The video below explains more.

Here, we suggest changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle to look after your eyes and stay healthy.

Look out for any changes in your eyesight

Macular degeneration affects people in different ways. Symptoms may develop slowly, especially if it’s only in one eye. Whatever your age, please don't ignore the signs of macular disease: the quicker you act, the more of your sight can be saved.

Nutrition

Diet is important because certain nutrients protect the body against substances called “oxidants”. Many of the vitamins and minerals found in a healthy diet are called antioxidants.

Protecting your eyes

Bright light may be uncomfortable for many people with macular conditions. It is important to protect your eyes from glare as well as ultraviolet light.

Smoking and sight loss

The earlier we give up smoking the better, but it is never too late to stop. Even if you already have AMD, it will progress faster if you continue to smoke.

Telephone counselling

It can help to speak to a professional counsellor, who is trained to listen and to talk through your feelings and help you find ways of dealing with them. This telephone service is for anyone who has been diagnosed with macular disease or their family members, in the UK or internationally.