Aging Eyes: Macular Degeneration
Age-related Eye Disease May Double Within the Next Three Decades
This subject hits close to home since my mother suffered from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for the last 15 years of her life. She was my hero because with every setback, she accepted the challenge of dealing with it.
What is macular degeneration?
The macula is the central part of our retina, and lets us see fine details. Once the macula progressively degenerates, central vision develops blurring, distortion and dark spots. Senior activities such as driving, reading, cooking, recognizing faces and performing daily living routines become increasingly difficult. Usually peripheral vision is not affected; light and forms can still be seen.
The macula is the central part of our retina, and lets us see fine details. Once the macula progressively degenerates, central vision develops blurring, distortion and dark spots. Senior activities such as driving, reading, cooking, recognizing faces and performing daily living routines become increasingly difficult. Usually peripheral vision is not affected; light and forms can still be seen.
Two forms of macular degeneration exist: Dry (atrophic) which is more common and accounts for 90% of all AMD, and Wet (neovascular) , which accounts for just 10% of all AMD but comprises 90% of all cases resulting in blindness.
Who does AMD affect?
Seniors who have soft, indistinct drusen (a small yellowish macular lesion) and pigment changes run a 42% higher risk of developing AMD within five years of diagnosis. Seniors under age 60 have only a .7% risk; however, the risk is increased by 22.5% for those over 80 years of age. If AMD develops in one eye, risks increase by 55% that the other eye will develop AMD.
Seniors who have soft, indistinct drusen (a small yellowish macular lesion) and pigment changes run a 42% higher risk of developing AMD within five years of diagnosis. Seniors under age 60 have only a .7% risk; however, the risk is increased by 22.5% for those over 80 years of age. If AMD develops in one eye, risks increase by 55% that the other eye will develop AMD.
Macular degeneration Risk Factors Aging, smoking, family history, and people with a variant of the CFH gene, run a strong risk of developing AMD. Other possible risk factors include: exposure to sunlight (especially blue light), hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, females, whites, and those with hyperopia (far-sightedness).
What can be done to combat macular degeneration? Get regular eye checkups (the likelihood of developing AMD is nearly 2.5 times higher if a first degree relative has the disease).
Quit smoking (risk is decreased 6.7% after five years, 5% after another five years, and 4.2% after another five years).
Wear hats and sunglasses (some sunglasses called "blue blockers" are designed to protect against harmful "blue light").
Control blood pressure. Include physical activity by walking, jogging or bicycling regularly. Keep Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30.
Take a daily eye health supplement containing lutein and Zeaxanthin,
Use canola oil for cooking, which is high in Omega-3 fatty acid, and low in Omega-6 fatty acid. Avoid more than 1 serving of beef, pork or lamb per week, Avoid or cut down on high-fat dairy food (whole milk, ice cream, hard cheese, butter). Avoid or cut down on meat food (hamburger, hot dogs, processed meat, bacon). Avoid or cut down on processed baked goods (commercial pies, cakes, cookies and potato chips). Eat more fish (especially tuna); those who eat fish more than 4 times a week have a lower risk of AMD that those who consume it less than 3 times per month. One serving of nuts per day reduced the risk of progression of AMD by 40%. The average American diet consists of 42% fat daily. Limit fat in the diet to 20-25 %
If you have AMD, use assistive devices to aid in preserving your remaining vision. And, be optimistic that one day a treatment for macular degeneration will be found.
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