Macular Degeneration: A Loss of Vision

Macular Degeneration or Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease related to aging that gradually destroys central vision. Whereas central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily task such as reading, driving etc. AMD affects the macula, the part of eye that allows us to see fine detail. Macula is located at the back of the eye.

There are 2 forms (types) of AMD:

• Dry AMD.It happens because cells of light receptor in retina are not functioned well enough by increasing age. Over time, cells on retina degenerate and then dead. It causes losing of sight. Dry AMD happens stage by stage for years. The most common symptom of Dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces, or may need more light to read.

• Wet AMD (Advanced AMD). Wet AMD is known by neovascular AMD because it involves the growth of new blood vessel behind retina. The new blood vessel is very fragile so blood may leak and distorts retina. It causes distortion of sight, and further, causes lose of sight. An early symptom of Wet AMD is the straight lines appear wav.

As journal published on site of National Eye Institute, in some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years old and older. AMD causes no pain.

The risk factors of AMD are:

• Age. Age is the greatest risk factor. Studies show that people over age 60 are clearly at greater risk than other age group.
• Smoking 
• Obesity
• Races. Whites are much more likely to lose vision because of AMD than African Americans.
• Family history
• Gender: woman has higher risk than man.

So far no treatment is proved effectively can cure Dry AMD. But the seriousness of AMD can be minimized by:

• adding light can help patient of Dry AMD
• Don’t smoke. Smoking tobacco can increase the risk of Macular Degeneration 2 to 3 times than someone has never smoked.
• Maintain normal blood pressure
• Watch your weight
• Exercise
• Eat healthy food can slower the damage. Foods containing lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin can help to reduce the growth of macular degeneration.

Several studies have shown a correlation of reduced incidence of macular degeneration, prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease in those who consume high quantities of food containing lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in most red colored fruit and has big benefit for health.

High lycopene can be found on tomatoes, guavas, watermelon (citrullus lanatus), and grapefruit. Lutein and zeaxanthin also can reduce the risk, and can be found in green leafy vegetables.

(Images from Google)