Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, often called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye disease that affects the central part of your retina, known as the macula.
The macula is responsible for sharp, detailed vision, which you need for tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. When the macula deteriorates, your central vision becomes blurry or distorted while your peripheral (side) vision usually remains intact.
There are two main types of AMD:
Dry AMD is more common and progresses slowly
Wet AMD is less common but can lead to quicker vision loss
Causes of Macular Degeneration
The exact cause of macular degeneration isn’t fully understood, but a combination of genetics, lifestyles and environmental factors are related to its onset.
Risk Factors & related attributes that contribute to a higher likelihood of developing AMD are:
Age — This condition may start as early as 50 and is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 65.
Family History
Smoking
Obesity
Cardiovascular Disease
High Blood Pressure
Prolonged exposure to UV light
Poor diet (saturated fats, cholesterol rich foods, highly-processed/ultra-processed foods)
High Cholesterol
Inactivity - Lack of regular routine exercise/movement
Women
Macular Degeneration Treatment
There is no cure for macular degeneration; however, there are treatments that can slow its progression & help preserve your vision.
Treatment:
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Depending on the stage of the condition, vitamins and minerals (AREDS supplements) may be recommended to support eye health.
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Depending on the severity of the condition, procedures, such as medication injections or laser therapy, may be used to stop the abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina.
Regular eye exams are crucial for catching the disease early and managing its progression.
Early detection allows for more effective treatment, changing lifestyle habits & better long-term outcomes.
Slow Down Macular Degeneration
Lifestyle changes may help to slow the onset & progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Nutrition: Meals that include lutein, zeaxanthin & omega-3 fatty acids. (Examples: dark leafy greens, colorful fruits & vegetables, corn, fatty fish, nuts & seeds)
Activity: Routine physical activities (moderate & vigorous cardio exercises)
Weight: Achieve & maintain a healthy body weight
UV Ray Protection: Sunglasses with UV protection
Stress-reduction: Practicing relaxation activities (e.g., yoga, meditation) help to reduce inflammation in the body
Habits to Avoid
Certain habits can accelerate vision loss if you have macular degeneration.
Smoking damages blood vessels & increases oxidative stress in the eyes.
Poor dietary choices (e.g., processed foods, refined sugars & carbohydrates, saturated-fats, high cholesterol foods) cause inflammation & worsens eye health.
Skipping regular eye exams is risky because it prevents early detection, treatment & healthy lifestyle changes.
Excessive alcohol consumption negatively impacts your vision.
Failing to protect your eyes from UV rays can contribute to further damage.
Drusen?
Drusen are tiny yellow deposits that form under the retina and can be an early sign of macular degeneration.
They consist of waste products from the eye’s natural processes and are often found in people with the dry macular degeneration.
While small amounts of drusen may not immediately affect vision, larger or more numerous drusen increase the risk of macular damage.
Over time, these deposits can disrupt the function of the retina, leading to vision loss.
If your eye doctor spots drusen during an exam, it’s a sign to make positive proactive lifestyle changes and to get regular checkups to protect your vision.