AMD is the most common cause of poor sight in people over 60. (
Reference 3.) It rarely leads to complete sight loss because only the central vision is affected. (
Reference 3.) At the moment, the exact cause of AMD is not known. However, a number of environmental factors have been identified: (
Reference 6.)
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Smoking
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Sunlight - some research suggests that a lifetime exposure to sunlight may affect the retina
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Nutrition - some studies have shown that a specific formula of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene) and zinc may reduce the probability of progression to advanced AMD by 25% for either the "wet" or central geographic atrophy forms. However, smokers may need to avoid beta-carotene. (Reference 7.)
Encouraging patients to avoid smoking, sunlight and to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables may all help to delay the progression of the disease. (
Reference 6.)
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