AMD: Age Related Macular Degeneration and Eye Health

Macular Degeneration Disease

Age related macular degeneration or AMD is a disease generally associated with aging. According to the National Eye Institute and U.S. National Institutes of Health, AMD impairs central vision, which everyone needs to see objects clearly. AMD causes vision loss in the central part of the eye which is commonly called the "macula". This part of the eye allows us to see the fine details of objects as we focus on them. While AMD does not cause pain, it generally develops quickly and can lead to blindness without prompt treatment.

Vision loss is common in adults age 60 and older diagnosed with AMD. Often vision loss occurs centrally, so patients with wet or dry macular degeneration can still maintain peripheral vision.

Wet AMD and Dry AMD

There are two primary types of macular degeneration, wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration. Wet AMD typically occurs when abnormal blood vessels form behind the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive part of the eye, which converts light into impulses and nerve signals that eventually translate into images into the brain.
Central vision typically deteriorates quickly in patients with wet macular degeneration.

Dry macular degeneration typically occurs with time; usually patients experience blurring of their central vision, either in one or both eyes. Some patients with AMD experience blurring of the eye that causes them to seek medical care. Others find it difficult to read or perform tasks because they have trouble seeing from one eye. Unlike wet macular degeneration, patients with dry macular degeneration typically experience vision loss in stages. These may include early, intermediate and advanced dry AMD. Some people will have dry AMD that turns into wet AMD with time.

Macular Degeneration Treatments: Improve Eye Health with Macular Degeneration Vitamins

Macular degeneration, a disease that most commonly manifests as age related macular degeneration, often results in blindness if left untreated. Common treatments can not often prevent vision loss, although some aim to slow its progression. Often medical treatments involve laser and surgical treatments.

Studies suggest that AMD (age related macular degeneration) can be slowed in patients taking macular degeneration vitamins. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study or AREDS is a clinical trial the National Eye Institute sponsored focusing on macular eye degeneration. Its aim included examining the effects of high doses of certain vitamins on AMD. The vitamins explored included zinc and various antioxidant or super AMD vitamins. What are AMD vitamins? These are specially formulated vitamins designed to improve vision.

The results of the study show that high levels of certain vitamins may help reduce the risk of AMD and vision loss in certain individuals. Among the supplements recommended to improve vision include lutein and zeaxanthin. While taking these antioxidants or vitamins is not guarantee against vision loss, it can certainly improve the odds you may prevent or slow the progression of AMD. Be sure to contact your vision care professional or health provider for more information.