Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a life altering progressive eye disease with no known cure. It involves the loss of central eye vision and impacts both men and women. There are two types of macular degeneration, dry and wet. Women are more prone to this disease.
Risk factors for the disease include but are not limited by the following; heredity, diabetes, hypertension, obesity (especially in men), free radical damage, smoking, certain pharmaceutical drugs including regular use of NASAIDS non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and poor nutrition.
As with many health problems, and what is not understood by most people is the importance of blood flow and its impact on good health. In addition to other causes for this disease, a 2014 study on Macular Degeneration found that patients with Macular Degeneration had decreased blood flow velocity in their retinal arteries. This study confirms the importance of restoring blood flow to the affected area for AMD patients.
The good news is with early intervention the delay in the progression of this disease can be slowed or stopped. As one leading eye physician stated to me “if the progression is slowed for 20 years or stopped, that would be a win”. Exercises that promote blood flow seems to be the most important factor.
Individuals that receive a diagnosis of Age- Related Macular Degeneration should begin a carefully designed fitness program that promotes blood flow. All forms of exercises can be performed within certain parameters.
Another important issue to consider for those that have incurred significant vision loss is the risk of falling. This is a common risk profile for people with this visual impairment and is another reason why Age Related Macular Degeneration patients should be involved in a carefully structured exercise program. By doing so, they will improve balance and co-ordination leading to a decrease of falling.
One of my clients that had incurred a number of falls saw a significant improvement in her balance within six weeks from the commencement of her exercise program.
People with Macular Degeneration should consult with an eye specialist before commencing with an exercise program.
References:
Natural Eye Care Website
PubMed: Retinal blood flow velocity in patients with age-related macular-degeneration, Burgansky-Eliash et al., 2014.