What to Tell Your Adult Children About Preventing AMD 

“Mom, how do I keep from getting macular degeneration?” This recent question from my youngest daughter really tugged at my heart.

How can I help my children avoid vision loss?

My 3 adult children have good reason to worry about getting age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

My mother had wet AMD several years prior to her death. My younger sister now has wet AMD in both eyes and gets injections every 4 weeks. I was diagnosed 6 years ago and have intermediate-stage AMD in my right eye. My oldest child has both glaucoma and early-stage dry macular degeneration.

Getting older and family history are 2 factors in the development of macular degeneration. These are beyond our control.

Healthy habits

There are several factors in the development of AMD that we can control. The following habits are what I am encouraging my children to focus on.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Do your best to reach a healthy weight and maintain it. My children all struggle with their weight, as I have most of my life.

2. Stop smoking!

All three of my children are either currently smoking or vaping. Though no longer a smoker, I set a bad example for my children early on.

3. Exercise at least 5 days each week

You don’t need an expensive gym membership. Take a brisk walk. Use an app on your phone or smartwatch to track your activity.

4. Cut out the fast foods

Eat more fruit and leafy green vegetables, fish, and whole grains. The busy lives they live make modifying their diet difficult.

5. Monitor your blood pressure

Keep your blood pressure under control. All 3 of my children have hypertension.

6. Don’t skip your annual eye exam

Many people are diagnosed with AMD and other eye conditions during their regular checkup. If you notice any changes in your vision between annual visits, see your doctor right away.

7. Protect your eyes from the sun when outdoors.

The best style sunglasses are wraparound, which provide more coverage. Wear your sunglasses even on overcast days.

8. Avoid blue light

There is some evidence that blue light from the sun may be a risk factor in the development and progression of AMD. Blue light from electronic devices is different from the sun. So far, the evidence for this type of blue light exposure is not conclusive as a risk factor. To protect your eyes, make sure your eyewear has UV protection.¹

But keep a balance

I also want my children to live healthy balanced lives. This is what I suggest they don’t do.

1. Do not obsess over getting macular degeneration

Remember, worry isn’t good for your health, either.

2. Do not go on restrictive diets to lose weight

In my experience, those diets fail, and I usually regain more weight than I lost.

3. Don't make exercise an obsession

Your lives are busy. Find an activity you like to do. It’s okay to fit in 10-minute workouts.

I would love to hear what others in our macular degeneration community are telling their children.   Leave a comment below.