Eat healthy. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other foods containing antioxidant vitamins A, C and E is believed to help prevent AMD. Good sources of these nutrients include deep green, yellow and orange produce such as cabbage, broccoli, spinach, squash, cantaloupe, mango and sweet potatoes. Some researchers also suspect that food containing lutein and zeaxanthin — found in high concentrations in egg yolks, corn and spinach — may be beneficial. Many experts recommend at least five pieces or servings of produce each day. And some research suggests that zinc-rich foods such as oysters, fish and legumes may also offer a protective effect.

Consider vitamin supplements. In addition to eating well to help prevent AMD, those diagnosed with the disease may lower their risk of advanced AMD by taking vitamin supplements. In the National Eye Institute’s Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), researchers found that that people at high risk of developing advanced stages of AMD lowered their risk by about 25 percent when they consumed a daily supplement rich in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and zinc. The specific dosages used in the study exceed the recommended daily allowance and what is in most multi-vitamin formulas, so consult with your doctor before starting this or any vitamin therapy. Be aware that high levels of beta-carotene are not recommended for smokers, so the AREDS formulation should be modified for these patients.

The doctors at Cary Family Eye Care recommend Science Based Health’s Macular Protect Complete for patients with at least moderate macular degeneration. For smokers with the disease there is another product, Macular Protect Complete-S, that removes the beta-carotene from the formulation.