Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that results in a change in vision. It causes a part of your retina, called the macula, to thin. It’s a common condition that gradually blurs your central vision. As a result, you’ll have difficulty with daily activities, such as reading and driving. Also called age-related macular degeneration or AMD, this disease is the top cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50.

The expert ophthalmologists detect early signs of macular degeneration. Unless you’re already experiencing vision loss, your eye doctor typically finds evidence of macular degeneration during a routine comprehensive eye exam. That’s another good reason to maintain a regular schedule of checkups with your ophthalmologist or optician.

Can You Prevent Macular Degeneration?

A healthy lifestyle not only increases your chances for longevity, but also reduces the risk of developing many diseases, including macular degeneration. Healthful lifestyle choices include:

• Eating a variety of nutrient-dense, low-fat foods, such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fruits and fish
• Getting regular physical activity that includes both strengthening and aerobic exercises
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure levels within a healthy range

Smoking also increases your risk of developing AMD. If you currently smoke, ask your eye doctor for help quitting. If you have other medical conditions — such as high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes, — take control of your health now.

The Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms usually come on gradually, which is why early detection prevents further deterioration. Signs of early-onset macular degeneration include:

• Seeing a blurry area near your center of your field of vision
• Distorted or fuzzy vision
• Sensitivity to glare
• Struggling to adapt to low light areas
• Needing a bright light to do close work, such as reading or sewing

If these symptoms are present in only one eye, you may not notice them. As the condition progresses, however, the blurry area at the center of your vision gets larger. You may notice that colors don’t appear as bright as they used to. Eventually, you may even begin to have difficulty recognizing faces.

What Causes Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is associated with aging, but research indicates that your genes also play a role. You have the most control over environmental factors and lifestyle choices, such as smoking, inactivity and obesity. By overcoming them, you lower your risk of developing this eye condition.

Treating Macular Degeneration

There are two types of macular degeneration. The most common type is called dry macular degeneration. This form of AMD progresses slowly. It may eventually progress to wet macular degeneration, which leads to severe and permanent vision loss.

The dry form, which is early stage AMD, currently has no treatment that’s been approved by the FDA. Consuming a healthy diet and taking nutritional supplements that include antioxidant vitamins reduce the risk of progressing to the wet form of AMD.

Taking Care of Your Eyes and Overall Health

Getting regular eye exams is the best way to ensure that any eye disease is caught as early as possible. Make good lifestyle choices, such as staying active, choosing healthy foods and learning to manage stress. These preventative steps help you to look good, feel good and reduce your risk of developing AMD and other health conditions.