Age Related Macular Degeneration | AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease of the retina, and is the most common cause of severe vision loss in older adults. AMD damages the center of the retina called the macula, which provides fine detail for reading and driving. Although we don’t know the cause of AMD, risk factors include family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and sun exposure. In addition, women and people with light skin and eye color appear to be at greater risk than others for developing the condition.

There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet. The hallmark of dry AMD is tiny spots in the retina called drusen. A national study called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that high dose antioxidant supplements can reduce progression of dry AMD by 25 percent. The AREDS recommendations include betacarotene 15 mg, vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, zinc 80 mg, and copper 2 mg. You should discuss vitamin therapy with your medical doctor, as certain vitamins should not be given with particular medical conditions.

The wet form, also known as neovascular AMD, is more serious and occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the macula. These vessels leak blood and fluid causing swelling of the retina. The blood vessels quickly progress and impair central vision. The first sign of wet AMD is distorted vision: straight lines look bent, words are crooked, and letters jumble or disappear. As the disease progresses, a central dark spot develops and central vision worsens. If you have these symptoms you must see an eye doctor immediately.

In Suffolk County 17,000 people have wet AMD. However, the good news is that we now have effective, FDAapproved medications that halt vision loss in 90 percent of patients and improve vision in 40 percent. The new treatments are Macugen Lucentis, and Avastin. They are sometimes used in combination and require serial treatments with intraocular injections.

Today,
AMD affects 15 million people in the U.S.

Stay FOCUSED

Protect your eyesight. With AMD, healthy living is critically important. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Quit smoking.

• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants, such as those found in fruits, dark
green, leafy vegetables, green tea, white tea, and red wine.

• Eat Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish, such as salmon.

• Wear sunglasses.

• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

• Call your eye doctor if you notice changes in your vision.

• Tell your eye doctor about any changes in your health or medications.

—Weber

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