Dry, age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, occurs when cells in the macula break down and form yellow deposits known as drusen, which gradually evolve and cause a blurred spot in the line of vision. Although blurred vision is often the first symptom of age-related macular degeneration, an eyecare professional can detect physical signs of AMD before vision is affected. Dry AMD is not curable, but quality medical care along with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, may slow the progression of the disease. As of 2010, there are no FDA-approved treatments for dry AMD. However a limited, two-year evaluation of oral Fenretinide shows promise, according to the website All About Vision.
Nutrition
Carotenoids, the plant pigments responsible for the color in nature and food, protect vision by absorbing excessive light from the more damaging parts of the light spectrum. Lutein is present in green, leafy vegetables and is concentrated in the outer edges of the retina. The carotenoid zeaxanthin is abundant in orange, red and yellow fruits and vegetables, and is more prevalent in the center of the retina. In addition to eating a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, blue-blocking glasses that block UV and blue light should be worn to prevent further damage to the vision, advises The Eye Digest, an online publication of the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Supplements
According to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, a major clinical trial, supplementation with the vitamins A, C and E and the mineral zinc dramatically slows the progression of dry AMD in patients with early to mid-stage symptoms of the disease. The research was sponsored by the National Eye Institute and involved almost 5,000 participants between the ages of 55 and 80. Although antioxidant vitamins do not cure AMD, the study suggests loss of vision may be delayed for several years if appropriate supplements are included as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The National Eye Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Eliminate Smoking
After age, smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for AMD, according to a study funded by the National Eye Institute and published in the "American Journal of Opthalmology." Smoking inhibits oxygen flow to the eyes and destroys vitamin C, an important factor for eye health and a nutrient the body does not make or store. The researchers found that women over the age of 80 were 5.5 times more likely to have AMD than nonsmokers of the same age. Another study that appeared in the "British Journal of Opthalmology" found that people exposed to secondhand smoke were twice as likely to develop the disease.
References
- All About Vision: Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- All About Vision: Macular Degeneration News
- The Eye Digest: Macular Degeneration Info
- National Eye Institute: Antioxidant Vitamins and Zinc Reduce Risk of Vision Loss From Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- EurekaAlert: It's Never Too Late to Quick Smoking and Save Your Vision
