The role of these vitamins in preventing the start of macular degeneration has not been established. AREDS 2 contains vitamin C, E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin. However, a large scale study by the National Institue of Health, the Age Related Eye Disease Study ( AREDS ) has definitively proven that taking a very specific combination of vitamins and nutritional supplements will slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of future vision loss. The latest formula called AREDS 2 vitamins are available over the counter without a prescription. There is no proven treatment to stop or reverse dry macular degeneration . The goal is to help the patient see better and stabilize the condition. I f you experience any of these symptoms in either one or both eyes, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist for an examination immediately.Īlthough your ophthalmologist will be able to readily detect the disease during an eye exam, he or she won't be able to cure it. A dark or empty area appears in the center of vision.Straight lines, such as sentences on a page, telephone poles, and sides of buildings, appear wavy.If this happens, there will be a marked disturbance of vision. With the wet form of the disease, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina where they leak fluid and blood and can create a large blind spot in the center of your visual field. Wet macular degeneration is a much greater threat to vision loss even though it accounts for only 20% of cases. People often notice a dimming of vision when they read. It develops slowly and usually causes mild vision loss. Dry macular degeneration accounts for 80% of cases and is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. The two common types of macular degeneration are dry and wet . This sharp, straight-ahead vision is necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces, and doing close work, such as sewing. When we look directly at something, the macula allows us to see the fine details. Located in the center of the retina, the sensitive macula provides us with sight in the center of our field of vision. But the good news is: numerous studies and research are being conducted that will, hopefully, offer more solutions in the future. AMD is the most common cause of severe vision loss in the elderly.ĭepending on the type of macular degeneration, there may be few options for treating the disease. Other risk factors for developing AMD are smoking, caucasian ethnicity, blue eyes, obesity, gender (females > men) and sun exposure. AMD also has a genetic component and if you have a strong family history of AMD your risk increases to 20%. By age 70 we all run a 10% risk of having AMD. AMD occurs most frequently in persons over age 70 but can be seen as early as age 55. Macular Degeneration What is Macular Degeneration?Īge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative aging process affecting the central retina of more than 10 million persons in the US.
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