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Age-related
macular
degeneration
(AMD)
This is the most common cause of loss of vision in people over 65 in Britain. It is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina that deals with central and detailed vision. The exact cause is not known, and there is no cure at present, although there are some treatments that may delay some forms of the condition.
There
are
two
main
types
of
AMD:
‘Dry’
and
‘Wet’
‘Dry’
AMD
is
more
common,
and
occurs
when
a
build-up
of
waste
material
and
lack
of
proper
nutrition
cause
a
gradual
deterioration
of
the
macula.
‘Wet’
AMD
is
less
common,
and
occurs
when
abnormal
blood
vessels
grow
behind
the
macula.
These
have
a
tendency
to
leak
blood
and
fluid,
and
this
causes
a
more
rapid
loss
of
central
vision.
There are various risk factors for AMD:
 |
age: increasing age is the main risk factor for AMD. |
|
diet
and
nutrition:
low
intake
of
antioxidants,
and
excessive
alcohol
consumption
may
increase
the
risk
of
AMD |
|
sunlight: particularly blue light. |
|
genetics: people with an family history probably have an increased risk of developing AMD. |
|
smoking: smoking more than doubles the risk of AMD. |
|
gender: women are more at risk than men. |
Nutrition
and
AMD
There
has
been
some
recent
research
that
suggests
that
nutrition
may
play
and
important
role
in
AMD
Lutein
and
zeaxanthin
are
the
two
carotenoids
found
in
the
macula.
These
are
powerful
antioxidants,
and
are
found
in
most
fruit
and
vegetables,
but
particularly
dark
green
leafy
vegetables.
Increasing
intake
of
these
may
help
delay
the
progression
or
lower
the
risk
of
developing
AMD,
although
further
research
is
needed.
A
diet
rich
in
carotenoids
may
also
protect
against
cataracts,
heart
disease
and
cancer.
Reduction
of
risk
There
are
some
lifestyle
changes
that
may
help
protect
your
eyes:
|
Protect
your
eyes
from
sunlight
with
sunglasses,
and
brimmed
hats |
|
Eat
a
diet
rich
in
green
leafy
vegetables
and
fruits.
If
this
is
not
possible
an
antioxidant
supplement
could
be
considered |
|
Do
not
smoke |
|
Limit
saturated
fat,
cholesterol
and
alcohol
intake. |
How
we
can
help.
As
optometrists
we
are
qualified
to
examine
the
back
of
your
eye
for
eye
disease.
If
we
detect
an
eye
problem
we
can
refer
you
either
to
your
GP
or
to
an
ophthalmologist
for
further
investigation
if
necessary.
We
can
prescribe
the
most
suitable
spectacle
correction,
and
help
with
low
vision
aids.
We
can
give
advice
on
practical
ways
to
make
life
easier
if
you
have
AMD,
and
give
advice
on
help
available
from
other
sources.
We
also
stock
ICaps
Formula
with
Lutein
and
Zeathanthin,
an
antioxidant,
vitamin
and
mineral
supplement
