Macular degeneration (also called AMD, ARMD, or age-related macular degeneration)
Macular degeneration is the break down of the macula (part of the retina responsible for central vision). AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans of ages 65 and older. Macular degeneration usually produces a slow, painless loss of vision. Early signs of vision loss associated with AMD can include seeing shadowy areas in your central vision or experiencing unusually fuzzy or distorted vision. In rare cases, AMD may cause a sudden loss of central vision.
There are two forms of AMD: dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular).
90% of all cases of macular degeneration are the dry variety. Clinical signs of dry macular degeneration that are observed by the doctor include yellowish spots called drusen, which begin to accumulate in the macula. Drusen are believed to be deposits or debris from deteriorating macular tissue.
10% of all cases of macular degeneration are of the wet variety. Generally, dry AMD progresses to wet macular degeneration. With wet AMD, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This leakage causes permanent damage the retina, causing blind spots or a total loss of central vision. These patients needs to see an eyecare practitioner immediately.
An eyecare practitioner can detect early signs of macular degeneration before symptoms occur. While there is no outright cure for macular degeneration, some treatments may delay its progression or even improve vision.
In addition, if you have already suffered vision loss from AMD, low vision devices including high magnification reading glasses and hand-held telescopes may help you achieve better vision than regular prescription eyewear.
A major study conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI) looked at the possible benefits of high levels of antioxidants and zinc on slowing down the progression of AMD. The study was called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), showed that high dose formulas containing beta carotene, vitamins C and E and zinc can reduce the risk of progressing to wet AMD and slow down further vision loss DEPENDING on your stage of AMD. However, if you smoke, modified forms of AREDS can be recommended. Currently AREDS 2 is being conducted which is looking at the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, zeaxanthin, lutein.
Macular degeneration is the break down of the macula (part of the retina responsible for central vision). AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans of ages 65 and older. Macular degeneration usually produces a slow, painless loss of vision. Early signs of vision loss associated with AMD can include seeing shadowy areas in your central vision or experiencing unusually fuzzy or distorted vision. In rare cases, AMD may cause a sudden loss of central vision.
There are two forms of AMD: dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular).
90% of all cases of macular degeneration are the dry variety. Clinical signs of dry macular degeneration that are observed by the doctor include yellowish spots called drusen, which begin to accumulate in the macula. Drusen are believed to be deposits or debris from deteriorating macular tissue.
10% of all cases of macular degeneration are of the wet variety. Generally, dry AMD progresses to wet macular degeneration. With wet AMD, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This leakage causes permanent damage the retina, causing blind spots or a total loss of central vision. These patients needs to see an eyecare practitioner immediately.
An eyecare practitioner can detect early signs of macular degeneration before symptoms occur. While there is no outright cure for macular degeneration, some treatments may delay its progression or even improve vision.
In addition, if you have already suffered vision loss from AMD, low vision devices including high magnification reading glasses and hand-held telescopes may help you achieve better vision than regular prescription eyewear.
A major study conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI) looked at the possible benefits of high levels of antioxidants and zinc on slowing down the progression of AMD. The study was called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), showed that high dose formulas containing beta carotene, vitamins C and E and zinc can reduce the risk of progressing to wet AMD and slow down further vision loss DEPENDING on your stage of AMD. However, if you smoke, modified forms of AREDS can be recommended. Currently AREDS 2 is being conducted which is looking at the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, zeaxanthin, lutein.