Doctor, doctor

Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE is a GP with many years’ experience working in London’s top teaching hospitals

My mother has macular degeneration which I’ve been told can run in families. Is there anything I can do to protect my sight? The main risk for macular degeneration, where the light sensitive membrane at the back of the eye becomes damaged, is smoking. Too much sunlight can also be harmful, so wear sunglasses that provide good UV protection. The nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, are also good for eye health. They’re found in eggs, and yellow and orange peppers. A healthy, well-balanced diet should provide enough, but if you’re concerned take an eye supplement containing anti-oxidants.

Contact Dr Leonard at S Magazine, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP, or email dr.leonard@ express.co.uk. Dr Leonard regrets that she cannot reply personally to letters. Read her column every Tuesday in the Daily Express