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Understanding Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration affects millions of individuals every year. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and many European countries. There are approximately 200,000 new cases of wet macular degeneration diagnosed in the United States each year.
The neovascular "wet" form of the disease is responsible for most (90%) of the severe loss of vision.
The average age of patients with the wet form of macular degeneration is the mid-70s. It rarely occurs before the age of 50. Wet macular degeneration is more common in white people, but it can occur in all races.
Over the next few years, the number of people to get macular degeneration is expected to grow. In fact, by 2020, approximately 3 million people may be diagnosed with advanced AMD.
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
When you think of vision, you may not think about what it really means until you've started to lose some of it to AMD. But the reality is AMD is a chronic condition of the eye that causes central vision loss. It affects your central vision, which is the center area of what you see. In fact, most of the things we do everyday require central vision. This central vision loss from AMD is caused by damage to the center of the retina, otherwise known as the macula.
For some people, AMD progresses slowly. For others, it may progress faster. But AMD is a major cause of central vision loss in Americans aged 55 and older.
So when you've lived your life being able to do the things you wanted to, when you wanted to, central vision loss can leave you missing more than just your sight.
The Role of The Retina
The retina is the light-sensitive area found at the back of the eye that is critical to seeing. It can turn light, or an image, into electrical impulses, or nerve signals to your brain. It's your brain that works with your retina to decide what you are looking at. So if you're holding a book, it's your retina that "tells you" it's a book.
The Role of The Macula
The macula is located in the center of the retina. It is the area that lets you see color and fine detail, which is critical to performing everyday activities. It's the macula that helps you in tasks like reading or even cooking. So if you're reading a book, the macula allows you to see the words on each page. If you are cooking, it will help you see that the cookies are just right or are burning.
If the macula is damaged because of AMD, you'll have blurred central vision. You may also notice that straight lines seem wavy.
Living with Macular Degeneration
If you have lost some sight from AMD, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision.
Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Many community organizations and agencies offer information about low vision counseling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments.
Don't be afraid to use your eyes for reading, watching TV, and other routine activities. Normal use of your eyes will not cause further damage to your vision.
What research is being done?
The National Eye Institute scientists are
* studying the possibility of transplanting healthy cells into a diseased retina
* evaluating families with a history of AMD to understand genetic and hereditary factors that may cause the disease
* looking at certain anti-inflammatory treatments for the wet form of AMD.
This research should provide better ways to detect, treat, and prevent vision loss in people with AMD.
What can I do to protect my vision?
You should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Your eye care professional can monitor your condition and check for other eye diseases. You may also be advised to take the AREDS supplementation.
Can my lifestyle make a difference?
Your lifestyle can play a role in reducing your risk of developing AMD.
* Eat a healthy diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
* Don't smoke.
* Maintain normal blood pressure.
* Watch your weight.
* Exercise.
Useful Resources
National Eye Institute
National Institutes of Health
2020 Vision Place
Bethesda, MD 20892-3655
301-496-5248
E-mail: 2020@nei.nih.gov
www.nei.nih.gov
Association for Macular Diseases
210 East 64th Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10021-7471
212-605-3719
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Executive Plaza 1, Suite 800
11435 Cronhill Drive
Owings Mill, MD 21117-2220
1-888-394-3937
410-785-1414
Macular Degeneration Partnership
8733 Beverly Boulevard, Suite 201
Los Angeles, CA 90048-1844
1-888-430-9898
310-423-6455
Visit the Eye Care Focus Center -- Video and Audio Library
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