Five ways to take care of your eyes and prevent blindness

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Age-related macular degeneration is known to affect one in seven people over the age of 50. This disease can lead to blindness, and here's how you can protect yourself from it.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula. The macula is the part of the retina that allows people to recognize faces, read newspapers, and drive.

Diabetes causes fluid to build up in the macula. And about one in 15 people with the disease will develop macular edema. Other diseases that can affect the macula include toxoplasmosis, macular degeneration, and central serous chorioretinopathy.

There are several types of macular degeneration. Therefore, treatment depends on the specific case. However, here is what you can do to avoid developing this disease and protect the macula.

Diet. Scientists from the US National Eye Institute have found that the Mediterranean diet will be especially helpful in this case. It contains a lot of legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains. Instead of red meat, fish is eaten in this diet.

Quit smoking. Smoking is known to be associated with a number of macular diseases, including macular edema, macular degeneration, and central serous chorioretinopathy.

Protection from the sun. A hat and sunglasses will help protect yourself from exposure to sunlight. Sun exposure is known to be a risk factor for macular degeneration.

Sleep. Good quality sleep is scientifically proven to protect the macula.

Relieve stress. It is well known that stress increases the likelihood of developing central serous chorioretinopathy. Don't forget to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammation levels in your body.