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Age-related Macular Degeneration

Calgary Optometry Centre answers common eye care questions:

Macular degeneration is a condition of the eyes that can result in mild to severe loss of vision. Since it most commonly affects people over 50 years of age, it is referred to as Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 50 years of age.

What is AMD?

AMD is a condition that affects the macula- the light sensitive tissue lining the back of each eye in the central area of the retina. When the macula is unhealthy, vision can be compromised in several ways and to different degrees:

• Reduced central vision
  
• Central blind spots
  
• Distortion of vision
  
• Decreased colour vision
  

It is important to note that patients with AMD do not go completely "blind". Only central vision is affected, leaving peripheral vision intact.

Patients with AMD often report that daily quality of life can be negatively affected:

• Difficulty reading
  
• Difficulty recognizing faces
  
• Loss of driving privileges
  
• Reduced contrast of vision
  
• Loss of mobility-increased risk of injury due to falls
  
• Difficulty with night vision
  

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the most common type, affecting 85% of patients with AMD. Vision compromise is mild, progresses gradually, and severe vision loss is rare. Unfortunately, there are no treatments available to reverse the effects of dry AMD.

Wet AMD
Wet AMD affects approximately 15% of patients with AMD but is potentially more damaging to vision, resulting in rapid and permanent severe vision loss. Patients with wet AMD are referred to a retinal specialist for treatment. The treatments may not restore vision which has already been lost, but can prevent or delay further loss of vision.

How can AMD be Prevented?

A comprehensive strategy is required to reduce the risk or slow the progression of AMD:

Prevention
The main priority is to reduce the chance of ever developing AMD. In the past several years, much research has yielded important information about the prevention and treatment of AMD. The following measures will help:

1. Early detection. Annual vision and eye health examinations are recommended for all patients aged 65 and over. It is also highly recommended for people with family history of AMD, smokers and patients with high blood pressure or heart disease. Your Calgary Optometry Centre optometrist will conduct various tests to detect any signs of AMD. Timely detection, initiating preventative measures and/or treatment of AMD will minimize vision loss.
   
   
2. Eat a balanced diet of green, leafy vegetables. These are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids that protect the macula from degeneration. When necessary, use a nutritional supplement such as Vitalux.
   
   
3. Stop smoking.
   
   
4. Wearing proper sunglasses that effectively block ultraviolet light during prolonged periods spent outdoors, especially for individuals with light coloured eyes.
   

Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement for AMD

Major studies on macular degeneration have concluded that high doses of specific antioxidant vitamins and minerals can delay the progression of AMD and reduce vison loss. It is almost impossible to obtain such high levels of these antioxidants through diet alone, so nutritional supplements have been formulated to support a balanced diet.

A multivitamin/multimineral tablet for AMD contains all the necessary antioxidant vitamins, minerals and carotenoids for maintaining good eye health. This supplement is recommended for all patients diagnosed with dry or wet AMD. Ask your Calgary Optometry Centre optometrist if an AMD tablet is right for you and start on the way to preserving good eye health.