Yellow spot disease can be treated in the early stages

Head of Kayseri Doctor OZ Eye and Surgical Laser Center, Specialist in Ophthalmology and Vitreoretinal Surgery, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Özkırış, provided information about macular degeneration, stating that ‘According to research, macular degeneration is less common in individuals who consume dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli.’

Prof. Dr. Abdullah Özkırış, who made explanations about the disease, mentioned that with early treatment methods, macular degeneration, which affects an average of 30 million people worldwide, can be effectively treated, and the progression of the disease can be prevented with the latest drug and injection treatments, yielding promising results. Recent studies suggest that certain dietary clues can slow down the progression of macular degeneration, even partially halt it.

Prof. Dr. Abdullah Özkırış emphasized that the most significant risk factors in the development of macular degeneration, a disease whose exact cause has not yet been fully understood, are advanced age and genetic predisposition. Individuals with similar symptoms in their families are more likely to develop the disease. Other risk factors include exposure to ultraviolet light (especially common in individuals living in sunny climates) and smoking. By paying attention to dietary habits, it is possible to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. For example, individuals with a diet lacking in zinc are more likely to develop macular degeneration. The body’s zinc requirement can be met with foods such as meat, fish, shellfish, beans, chickpeas, and oats. Particularly, fish rich in Omega 3 fatty acids like salmon, sardines, and tuna reduce the risk of macular degeneration while also slowing down its progression. Individuals who consume dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are also less likely to develop macular degeneration. In the treatment process, intraocular injections prevent vision loss. This medication injected into the eye stops the development of new blood vessels in the macula and significantly reduces the patient’s complaints. If necessary, intraocular implants containing corticosteroids can also be added to the treatment. Dry type macular degeneration is a type of macular degeneration that develops due to aging, progresses slowly, carries a lower risk of vision loss, and appears over a long period, for which there is currently no definitive treatment available. However, it is possible to slow down its progression with vitamin supplements. Since dry type macular degeneration carries the risk of transforming into wet type macular degeneration over time, these patients must be closely monitored. To protect against macular degeneration, UV-filtered sunglasses should be worn from an early age.