Prevention and Management of Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) results in vision loss in the center of the visual field due to damage of the retina. It is a growing cause of blindness, with over 300,000 cases diagnosed each year. Any older adults, and adult children caring for elderly parents, should be aware of this condition, because it usually strikes older adults. And, since it has a strong genetic component, it tends to run in families.

There are two forms of AMD, referred to as “wet” and “dry.” In the dry (nonexudative) form of AMD, cellular debris called drusen accumulates between the retina and the choroid, and the retina can become detached. In the wet (exudative) form, which is more severe, blood vessels grow up from the choroid behind the retina, and the retina can also become detached. It can be treated with laser coagulation, and with medication that stops and sometimes reverses the growth of blood vessels.

Although Macular Degeneration can affect anyone, there are some specific risk factors that call for extra vigilance. These include:

* Advancing age.
* Cigarette smoking.
* A family history of Macular Degeneration.
* Excessive exposure to sunlight. (Macular Degeneration strikes blue eyes more often than brown, possibly due to blue eyes being more sensitive to light.)
* High blood pressure and/or cardiovascular disease.

Managing these risks is important for both older and younger adults. Wearing sunglasses whenever you go out in the sun, and quitting smoking, are two straightforward ways to lower the risk of Macular Degeneration.

Diet and exercise are also crucial to preventing and managing AMD. Since Macular Degeneration is a result of changes to the blood vessels, it makes sense that doing what is good for blood vessels is also good for the eyes. Thus you can take care of your eyes with good nutrition and exercise, just like your heart. More and more doctors are recommending eye supplements with Lutein, which help stave off AMD. These and other supplements for eye health can be found at a good health food store.

Here is a complete checklist of steps you can take to prevent AMD for yourself or a loved one:

* Call an EFT expert for assistance in quitting smoking.
* Look into a heart healthy, eye healthy eating plan.
* Find or purchase and wear sunglasses.
* MOST IMPORTANTLY - call the doctor and get tested for Macular Degeneration.

Doctors do not always test for Macular Degeneration as part of a routine physical or eye exam. If you are caring for an elderly parent, wanting to take care of your own health, or both, then you may need to request this simple test. The benefits of being tested far outweigh the inconvenience of it, since this condition is often treatable and manageable.