What is Macular degeneration ?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people 50 years or older.. The disease harms central vision and limits a person’s ability to read, write and recognize faces. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. About 80% of people who have AMD have the dry form. Dry AMD occurs when the macula (the center of the retina in the back of the eye) gets thinner with age and tiny clumps of protein called drusen grow. Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina. These vessels may leak blood or other fluids, causing scarring of the macula. People lose vision much faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD.

AMD causes your vision to change over time. You may not notice these subtle changes when they happen. But you need to catch vision changes as soon as possible. Treating them early can help slow or stop further loss of sight. You should use an Amsler grid like the one below to monitor your vision.

Here is how to use the Amsler grid:

• Keep the Amsler grid in a place where you see it every day. Many people keep an Amsler grid on their refrigerator door or on their bathroom mirror.
• In good light, look at the grid from about 12–15 inches away. Be sure to wear your reading glasses if you normally use them.
• Cover one eye. Look directly at the dot in the center of the grid with your uncovered eye. Notice if any of the lines look bent or wavy. See if any part of the grid looks blurry, dim, or out of shape.
• Now cover your other eye and test your vision this same way again.

Call your eye doctor right away if you notice that any lines or parts of the grid look wavy, blurry, or dim.

Many studies have found that smoking cigarettes can increase risk of AMD. Smoking also increases the speed at which the disease worsens. If you smoke, you are twice as likely to get AMD compared with a nonsmoker. You are also more likely to develop AMD if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, have high cholesterol levels and a family history of AMD. 

Fifteen years ago, there was little that could be done to stop AMD from stealing people’s vision, especially from wet AMD. Thanks to major advances in treatment, such as the use of anti-VEGF drugs, fewer people are going blind. These medications are usually administered by a retina specialist and the procedure is done in the office. Laser surgery is also sometimes used. In the future, treatments like stem cell therapy and gene therapy may be available to prevent vision loss from AMD. At this time, there is no treatment for dry AMD. According to recent study called “AREDS2”, people with drusen might benefit from taking a certain combination of nutritional supplements daily including Vitamin C (500 mg), Vitamin E (400 IU), Lutein (10 mg), Zeaxanthin (2 mg), Zinc (80 mg), and Copper (2 mg). These are commercially formulated and available over the counter. Beta carotene should not be used by smokers as it raises the risk of lung cancer. Other studies have shown that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are good for eye health. To help cut AMD risk and maintain eye health, one should eat foods such as salmon, tuna, citrus fruits, kale, spinach, corn, broccoli, squash, and black-eyed peas.

Macular degeneration is a very serious condition. Older Americans who are unaware of the disease may be putting themselves at risk. The good news is that they can protect their sight with routine eye exams and some lifestyle changes.