The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays hit harder during summer months, which means anyone with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) should be particularly careful. Protective eyewear isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Sunglasses are your best ally, shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays and helping you enjoy the season safely and comfortably. Here are a few tips for choosing the best shades to keep your eyes protected:
Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection to safeguard your eyes from harmful rays
Opt for tinted and polarized lenses to minimize glare from reflective services, enhancing visibility and safety while driving or enjoying outdoor activities
Importantly, the tint color of sunglasses should not distort color perception, particularly important for activities like driving or other tasks where you need accurate color recognition
Select frames that are contoured and fit snuggly around your face and head, with temple arms that are wide enough to block harmful rays from entering through the sides
Remember, always buy sunglasses from trustworthy sources. While "premium-brand" sunglasses offered at "bargain prices" might be counterfeit and lack proper UV protection, it's worth noting that authentic, reasonably priced sunglasses can provide the same level of UV protection as their more expensive counterparts.
Sunglasses serve as a primary shield, protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, thereby helping you safely relish the summer vibes. By taking the above steps, you can enjoy the season to the fullest while keeping your eyes well-protected.
While there is currently no cure for AMD, research suggests that a diet rich in certain nutrients can significantly aid in managing this condition. Foods containing essential vitamins and minerals.
Here’s a rundown of essential nutrients that fruits and vegetables can offer you*:
Vitamin C: Boost your intake with summer staples like oranges, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes
Vitamin E: Enjoy almonds, pecans and sunflower seeds during your summer outings for a healthy dose of Vitamin E
Beta-Carotene: Brighten up your diet with summer produce like cantaloupe, mangoes, peaches, sweet potatoes and carrots
Zinc: Incorporate beef, kebabs, shellfish, eggs and milk into your summer meals for sufficient zinc intake
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grill fish such as salmon or mackerel, and use flaxseed oil in your salad dressings to enrich your diet with omega-3s
Antioxidants also play a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Carotenoids, which include lutein and zeaxanthin, are powerful antioxidants found in many fruits and vegetables, such as tangerines, spinach and kale. These compounds are especially important for preserving vision as they accumulate in and around the macula at the back of the eye.
While the exact dietary amounts needed for each nutrient and antioxidant are not definitively known, eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily is generally considered sufficient to provide the necessary levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, along with other essential nutrients.
In addition to choosing nutrient- and antioxidant-rich summer produce, add an AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamins, containing nutrients recommended by the National Eye Institute, to help reduce the risk of moderate-to-advanced AMD progression.
As we navigate through summer, incorporating these nutrient-rich foods and antioxidants into your diet can play a pivotal role in managing AMD and supporting overall eye health. By choosing a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and considering supplements like AREDS 2 Formula Eye Vitamins, you can take proactive steps towards reducing the risk of AMD progression.
Nourishing your body with the right nutrients can help support healthy vision. Let's embrace the abundance of the season and make eye health a delicious part of our summer.
*Ask your doctor about which nutritional changes are right for you.
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