In this April addition of the Healthy Eyes Report, Dr. Buensuceso focuses on some of the risk factors for Age Related Macular Degeneration or AMD. Valuable insights for many of us to be gained in understanding our potential risks.
We also share how mangoes can help fight Macular Degeneration. You can just peel, slice and add mango to your smoothie or eat mangoes as a delicious fruit, dessert or snack.
We hope you enjoy this engaging issue of the Healthy Eyes Report
Sincerely,
Volker Gallichio
Vice-President, MedOp Health
In This Issue
- FROM THE DOCTOR: Risks for Macular Degeneration
- NUTRITION: Mangoes Can Help Fight Against Macular Degeneration
Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration?
In this month’s e-newsletter, we will be talking about some of the factors that you can’t control when reducing the risk of AMD. So, if you’ve ever wondered if your age, family history, race or gender are putting you more at risk, please read on and find out if there is something to worry about.
As you might have guessed, age is the number one risk factor for AMD which is why it’s called Age Related Macular Degeneration. As you age, your risk for Macular Degeneration goes up. Your risk increases by 30% for those senior citizens from ages 75-85 years old.
Family history plays a major role in developing Macular Degeneration. In fact, if you have immediate family who have Macular Degeneration, you are at risk for up to 50% of developing Macular Degeneration yourself.
Caucasians are more at risk than any other race. In fact, AMD is quite rare in other races. It might have something to do with the amount of pigment in the tissues. It is believed that pigment has a protective role in preventing ultraviolet damage and the more pigment you have the more protective it is. That’s why people with light colored eyes are at greater risk than dark colored eyes.
Gender can also play a role in determining if you are more at risk for AMD. Women are slightly more at risk for this disease. There are two reasons for this. Women who experience an earlier onset of menopause maybe at greater risk since researchers have found a link between estrogen production and AMD. Also, women usually live longer than men and have more time to develop the disease.
Next month, we will talk about how you can take control on reducing the risk of AMD. For those readers who want to “turn the tables” on Macular Degeneration, next month’s e-newsletter is a must-see.
How Mangoes Can Help Fight Against Macular Degeneration
Mangoes are a delicious fruit that is loaded with Vitamin A, Calcium, Vitamins D, B-12, B-6, C as well as iron and magnesium. It is also a rich source of the Zeaxanthin which is found in the central macula and filters out blue light and harmful UV radiation.
Zeaxanthin is one of two carotenoids found in the macula and has the potential to slow the progression of Macular Degeneration. Maxivision brand of supplements has 2x the amount of Zeaxanthin recommended.
Studies have shown that people who ate three or more servings of fruit had lower risk of Macular Degeneration compared to those who at less than that.
So, with a healthy intake of fruits as well as vitamin supplements, it can truly have a real impact in preventing and managing the risk of Macular Degeneration
