Preventing the progression of early forms of macular degeneration (AMD) is the basis of all treatment. First of all, it is recommended to reverse modifiable risk factors, that is, avoid lifestyle habits that predispose us to suffer from it.

It is recommended:

• Give up tobacco.
• Eliminate overweight by improving your diet and doing physical exercise.
• Avoid a diet rich in saturated fats (red meat or non-skimmed dairy products).
• Increase fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts or oily fish in our diet.
• Good control of blood pressure (high blood pressure).
• Adequate reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides.

In relation to improving our diet, we must take into account the presence of antioxidant nutrients in fruits and vegetables that protect against the progression of macular degeneration. For example, lutein and zeaxanthin are important antioxidants that help prevent degeneration in the lens and retina. Eating a diet rich in these carotenoids helps reduce the risk of AMD. Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin are typically dark-colored fruits and vegetables, including:

• Spinach.
• Kale.
• Lettuce.
• Corn/mille.
• Carrots.
• Peas.
• Broccoli.
• Port.