12 Feb What is the truth about macular degeneration?
February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month, which intends to highlight what is the leading cause of sight loss in people aged 50 and above. Macular degeneration affects central vision, and it’s predicted that cases may double by 2050.
AMD is a progressive, painless eye disease that damages the centre of the retina – also referred to as the macula – leading the patient to lose their detailed, central vision. It does not cause total blindness, but it has a significantly detrimental impact on day-to-day tasks such as driving and reading. There’s currently no cure for macular degeneration, but changes in your lifestyle can slow down its progression.
Early signs, which include the blurring of general vision or straight lines starting to appear wavy, can often be subtle, so much so that they’re virtually undetectable. Macular degeneration will typically progress slowly in its dry form, but it’s the wet form that can cause faster and more severe loss of vision. Around 90% of AMD cases are the dry variety and are caused by a thinning of the retina. The remaining wet cases, meanwhile, are attributable to abnormal blood vessel growth. It’s important to note that all wet cases are regarded as late-stage.
Once the macula is damaged, it’s almost always irreversible, but AMD does only affect your central vision, leaving your peripheral – or side – vision intact. AMD is usually caused by aging, with sufferers usually aged over 50, and is more prevalent in smokers, those with a family history, and anyone with high blood pressure.
As mentioned, there’s no cure, but anti-VEGF injections can prevent further sight loss due to wet AMD. In the case of dry AMD, high-dose nutritional supplements may help to slow its development. Finally, the best ways of reducing the risk of AMD are to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in leafy greens, to quit smoking and to ensure your eyes are protected from UV light.
Eyes of Swavesey are opticians in Cambridge, and we offer full eye tests as well as glasses and contact lenses, all with the option of a competitive EyePlan. Call us on 01954 231158 to secure an appointment or book online here.
