A Tampa Bay area optometrist is warning people to avoid taking too much calcium after a new report has shown the mineral to increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Age-related macular degeneration Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Age-related macular degeneration
Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health

According to the recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, taking more than 800 mg a day has been shown to significantly increase the risk of developing the condition.

Individuals who reported taking more than 800 mg a day were 85 percent more likely to have AMD than those who reported that they did not take calcium supplements, according to JAMA Ophthalmology published on April 9.

AMD is a disorder that causes a loss of central vision, the inability to read, make out faces and see in detail. The study seemed to indicate that the risk was significant to those 68 years of age or older.

“We recommend that people talk with their optometrist, ophthalmologist and their primary care physician about what kind of supplements to take and the proper amount,” said Dr. Ed Huggett, a board-certified optometric physician specializing in low vision and vision rehabilitation.

According to Huggett, the founder of Low Vision Support in Dunedin, one way to help prevent AMD is to exercise as recommended by your primary care physician. Studies that tracked people who exercised for more than seven years showed a significantly deceased prevalence of cataract and macular degeneration.

If you or someone you know suffers from color blindness or low vision, visit lowvisionsupport.org for more information to learn about how Low Vision Support can help.  You can also call directly at 727.463.2579.