Living with Macula Degeneration (AMD)


Macular degeneration affects a large portion of the population and develops in old age.  It is one of the main reasons why people lose vision in old age and once vision is lost it cannot be regained.  The condition involves the loss of central vision, which means that reading, recognising people, and driving can become difficult. 

There is no single method of preventing this condition but there are a variety of options, which can help reduce the risk of AMD.  If you already have AMD, you should seek advice from your optometrist or ophthalmologist about preventative measures before embarking on any discussed below.  If there is a family history of Macula Degeneration, again you must be particularly careful about the measures taken to combat or prevent this eye condition.  If you are predisposed to AMD then you may be able to slow down its progression, but there is no cure and regular eye tests are advisable to ensure that you are aware of progression of the condition and are doing everything to reduce the risks.

Guidelines to follow if you have AMD:

  • Smoking - It is advisable not to smoke as research has shown a strong link between AMD and smoking.  Some research has shown that smokers can be four times more likely than non-smokers to suffer from AMD.
  • Diet - Green, leafy vegetables like spinach contain nutrients, which are very important for AMD sufferers.  These are essentially carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.  Antioxidant vitamins and zinc may also reduce the risk of macular degeneration.  Multivitamins should fit in with your dietary needs and you should consult your eye care provider.  This is crucial since some research suggests that the risks of taking high doses of vitamin E for example, may outweigh the benefits.  Eating fish or taking fish oil supplements may also be a good idea.  Fruit and nuts eaten daily are important for a good well balanced nutritious diet and some research has shown that they may help deter progression of early or intermediate AMD to its more advanced stages.  Foods which are high in refined carbohydrates such as white bread, potatoes, donuts and watermelon, should be eaten in careful quantities as they contain a high glycemic index, which causes a rapid increase in blood sugar and insulin release.  Although it is well established that there is no cure for AMD and once vision has deteriorated it cannot be restored, good nutrition can help maintain vision if you at risk of developing AMD.
  • Fitness - Regularly exercise and a healthy weight are important.  Keeping fit will also help keep control of your blood pressure and cholesterol.  Extreme blood pressure has been linked to blindness associated with AMD.  High cholesterol can prevent the blood flow, necessary for maintaining healthy eyes. 
  • Sunglasses - Eyes can be damaged by UVA, UVB and blue light and so it is important to wear appropriate sunglasses to prevent long-term damage to the eye and risk of developing macular degeneration.
  • Eye Tests - Regular examinations will show signs of Macula Degeneration and also help monitor its progression.  It is important to visit your optician regularly.

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For further information and support on macular disease, contact:

Macular Disease Society

PO Box 1870
Andover
SP10 9AD
Registered Charity No. 1001198
Tel: O845 241 2041
Fax: 01264 350558
Email: info@maculardisease.org
Web: www.maculardisease.org

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