How to Avoid Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that has puzzled many doctors and researchers for quite some time. For instance, the oldest descriptions of the disease (1852) refer to it with different names. 

Today, eye doctors understand it well enough to come up with strategies to treat and prevent it. Despite all the knowledge accumulated about the condition, it is still the leading cause of blindness in America for people aged 50 and up.

Macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness; instead, it only causes loss of central vision. Central vision is that part of your vision that lets you perform detailed tasks and recognize faces. While it is impossible to reverse the condition, you can prevent it, manage it, and slow its progress. 

What Is Macular Degeneration?

The name macular comes from the retina's central and most sensitive part, the macula. While the disease is more common among older populations, it is still capable of affecting young people. The condition causes a slow loss of central vision as it advances. 

One of its first symptoms is seeing waves when you look at a window or light. You may also notice a dark spot in the center of your vision. The speed of progression and severity of the condition depends on the form of the disease that you have, as follows.

Exudative or Wet Macular Degeneration

This form of the disease does not involve stages in its development; once it manifests, vision loss happens quickly. It usually occurs when abnormal blood vessels form under the retina at the macula. The blood vessels begin to leak fluids, lipids, and blood and damage the structure of the macula. 

Atrophic or Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration affects between 8% and 90% of all patients with macular degeneration. The condition occurs from increased cell waste deposits of the eye collecting under the macula. 
 

The deposits, often yellow, are called drusen. These drusen are present even in healthy eyes, but in people with macular degeneration, they collect under the macula and cause its deterioration. 

Avoiding Macular Degeneration

Like many other diseases, avoiding macular degeneration involves making healthier decisions and lifestyle changes, especially when young.
 

• Avoid Smoking
   

Smoking is always an unhealthy habit and detrimental to your overall longevity. Smokers have five times the risk of developing macular degeneration.  Quitting the habit completely for a better and healthier future is critical to preventing AMD.
 

• Eat a Good Diet
   

A nutritious diet is linked to healthy eyes. This is especially so with one rich in antioxidants. Leafy veggies with high lutein content, such as spinach, are best. The macula metabolizes carotenoids at a very high rate so high levels are necessary.  At our office, we measure carotenoid levels with as simple hand scan.  It is very accurate and a very simple, easy test to undergo.  
 

• Exercise

Physical exercise is another key element of overall health, including eye health. Physical activity helps you keep a healthy weight, which can prevent many conditions. Obesity is also linked to the development of macular degeneration.
 

• Genetics

Fair-skin and blue eyed people of Northern European ancestry are a higher risk of AMD.  We have genetic testing available that determines your risk level based on your genes.  The genetic test also provides a recommendation for gene-specific supplementation to reduce risk and progression of the disease. 
 

• Sunglasses

Damage from UV in the sun is one of the leading causes of macular degeneration and other conditions. It could be tricky because the damage is not instantaneous but occurs over your lifetime. Getting into the habit of having sunglasses on every time you go out will keep the damage at bay.

For more on how to avoid macular degeneration, contact Rieger Eyecare Group at our office in Normal, Illinois. Call (309) 320-2020​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.