The leading cause of vision loss in the United States for people over age 60 is Macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the central region of the retina called the macula. A “healthy” macula is about the size of this letter “O,” and is necessary for centra vision. In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the central vision becomes blurry. Nearly 2 million Americans have vision loss from advanced AMD, and another 7 million with early AMD are at risk for vision loss.
- Dry AMD, more common and less severe, occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. Untreated dry AMD can progress (sometimes very quickly) to wet AMD.
- Wet AMD is caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels under the macula. This leads to rapid loss of central vision. Wet AMD is otherwise known as advanced AMD.
Treatment: Medical treatments are limited and sometimes ineffective, so getting an early diagnosis is important. Know what the risk factors are, especially those factors that may be affected by your lifestyle choices.
Nutrition and AMD: Dozens of studies on nutrition and AMD point to a relationship between increased fruit and vegetable intake and a decrease in the risk for both dry and wet AMD. More research is needed, but clearly increased intake of certain fruits and vegetables is necessary for better eye health.
Risk Factors:
Smoking - Research shows AMD occurs two to three times more often among tobacco users.
Sunlight - Overexposure to sunlight as a teen has been linked to later AMD. Fair-skinned people seem to be more prone to AMD, but whether previous sun exposure is the cause is unknown.
Exercise - A recent study revealed people lead an active lifestyle are less likely to develop wet AMD. A 15-year study showed that participants with increased walking regularly (3 or more times/week) decreased their risk of wet AMD.
Age - The incidence of AMD increases with age.
Genetics - The healthy eye of an individual with advanced AMD in one eye is at risk for AMD in the other eye. Lifestyle changes at any age can be beneficial.
Gender - The incidence of AMD is most common in white women over age 50.
Light skin or eye color - AMD occurs more frequently in blue-eyed white females in the U.S.
If you have concerns, schedule a regular eye exam and begin to make small changes in your daily schedule.