From The Daily Journal of Dr. Helen Chandoha
Optometrist- InterMountain Eye Associates
Age – related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an irreversible vision loss. It affects the macula, which is approximately in the center of the retina. The macula is a small area in the retina, but it’s an important area for vision such as reading.
11 million Americans have some form of AMD. There are two types: “dry” which is characterized by the presence of yellow deposits called drusen. This type doesn’t effect vision very severely. The other type is the “wet” form which is an abnormal growth of blood vessels which can eventually scar and lead to permanent loss of central vision. Patients will ask me, “which one is the better form to have?” and I will tell them the “dry” type.
Fuzzy central vision or distorted vision are the first signs that you may be experiencing macular degeneration. The condition can occur in younger people, but it is usually associated with advancing age. It can be attributed to heredity and it’s more prevalent among Caucasians and females. Causes include obesity, smoking and high blood pressure as well as the use of ”blue light” technology, such as smart phones, computer monitors and tablets.
Prevention:
Macular degeneration is not 100% preventable, but there are some things that can be prescribed to help reduce the risk. For example, a blue light anti-glare coating can be placed on glasses, even non-prescription glasses, to reduce the impact of blue light on the eyes during extensive periods of exposure to blue light wavelengths during computer or cell phone use. Wearing 100% UV sunglasses is good protection for reducing the impact of sun exposure on this condition.
Dietary changes can help. By eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, you can decrease the amount of progression. I advise patients with this condition to take multi-vitamins with lutein, zeazanthin and mesozeazanthin, which help protect the macula area.
You can monitor your own vision for macular degeneration with an Amsler Grid, or even by reading a newspaper or magazine. If you notice any changes in your vision, call your eye doctor as soon as possible to schedule a dilated eye exam to evaluate the macula and retina.
To check your vision for macular degeneration using this grid, cover one eye, then focus on the dot in the center.
• Do any of the lines look wavy, blurred or distorted? (All lines should be straight, all intersections should form right angles and all the squares should be the same size.)
• Are there any missing areas or dark areas in the grid?
• Can you see all corners and sides of the grid?
• Don’t forget to test both eyes.
VERY IMPORTANT: Report any irregularity to your eye doctor immediately.
You can mark areas of the chart that you’re not seeing properly and bring it with you to your eye exam.
Treatments:
There is no cure for macular degeneration, however the “wet” type can be treated to prevent further vision loss. FDA approved medicated injections can be used to decrease abnormal blood vessel growth in the eyes. This is why a dilated exam is essential to the proper treatment of this condition.
A Personal Note:
My first experience of Age-related Macular Degeneration occurred when my mother was diagnosed with this disorder a number of years ago. I had some idea what might be going on when she called and mentioned that the fence in her front yard appeared to have a wave to it. I experienced her progression from the “dry” type to the “wet” type over the years and she now gets the FDA approved injections in both eyes. These injections are generally scheduled on a monthly basis but there are newer injections available that can be administered every 2-3 months. My mother follows the suggested preventive measures as well to help slow the degeneration and given the hereditary component, I also started taking the supplements, changed my diet and use sunglasses when outdoors and try to limit the length of exposure to blue light when I use my computer or smart phone.
For more information on eye health
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/630854/March-is-a-good-time-to-look-at-ways-to-protect-your-eyesight.html?nav=5007
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