London, March 17: The number of British people who have suffered from the eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is increasing, experts have warned.
The disease, which can cause blindness, has affected over half a million British people so far. However, the College of Optometrists estimates that the number of affected people increases by a quarter in 9 years.
Based on the latest study carried out by the college, over 4,000 British people are unaware of such a disease that can reduce their vision. Therefore, they do not believe in giving up smoking or changing their diet in order to prevent such a disease and the National Health Service (NHS), on the other hand, could not overcome this issue.
“While AMD is a condition associated with older age, there are steps you can take earlier in life to minimise your risk. Research suggests that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables and oily fish may help prevent AMD. Smoking also doubles your chances of developing the condition so quitting can also reduce your risk,” Dr Susan Blakeney, of the College of Optometrists, said.
A research done in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that women who eat fish and consume a diet rich in omega3 are less in danger of losing vision by a disease.
——–Agencies