Macular Degeneration                                                                                                         ARED Study

Macular Degeneration is a common disorder of the macula, which is the center of the retina.  This disorder is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina.  The retina is the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them via the optic nerve from the eye to the brain.  Few people are aware that macular degeneration is incurable and is the leading cause of blindness for those aged 65 and older.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects more than 10 million people in the United States.  The exact cause of AMD is not yet known.

There are two main types of Macular Degeneration

Dry AMD � Occurs when small yellowish deposits called Drusen start to accumulate beneath the macula breaking down the light-sensing cells causing distorted vision in one eye, then the other.  Dry AMD does not usually cause total loss of reading vision.  Dry AMD can progress to Wet AMD and therefore should be monitored closely.  This is the most common type of AMD (90%)

Wet AMD � Occurs when tiny, abnormal blood vessels begin to grow behind the retina toward the macula.  These vessels often leak blood and fluid that damage the macula, causing rapid and severe vision loss.  This is the least common type of AMD affecting 10% of cases.  Wet AMD almost always occurs in people who already have dry AMD and results in legal blindness in most of its sufferers.

Who is at risk?

Age is the main risk factor for developing AMD.  Although AMD can occur during middle age, the risk increases as you get older.

Gender Studies indicate that women over age 75 may be at greater risk than men of the same age.

Smoking which reduces protective antioxidants in the eye may increase the risk.  A recent study indicated that smoking can more than double the risk.

Family History If you have one or more immediate relatives with AMD, you may be at higher risk to develop the condition.

Heart Disease If you have elevated levels of blood cholesterol or high blood pressure, you may be at a greater risk because of poor blood circulation to the eyes.

What are the symptoms of AMD?

• Slightly blurred vision.
• Need of more light for reading and other tasks.
• Difficulty recognizing faces until you are very close to them.  Special considerations: AMD does not cause any pain; If dry AMD affects one eye, you may not notice any changes in your vision until the AMD affects both eyes.
• Wet AMD Symptoms:
  �Straight lines appear wavy
  �Rapid loss of your central vision

How can AMD be detected?

• Regular Eye Exams by your physician
• Visual Field Test � Determines central and peripheral visual fields by looking at a series of lights to detect if any areas of vision are missing.
• Photos of the retina to establish a baseline to track progression of the disease.
• Amsler grid testing to evaluate distortions or abnormalities in vision.
  

This is the best way for you to monitor yourself at home.  We encourage you to test yourself.  We will be happy to provide you with the grid or you may go online at: http://www.eyesight.org/Eye_Test/eye_test.html

What can I do to protect my eyes?

• Wear sunglasses when exposed to ultraviolet light sources.
• Wear brimmed hats that shade your eyes from direct or reflected sunlight.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and leafy green vegetables.
• Don't smoke
• Limit saturated fats and cholesterol in your diet, and keep your blood pressure down.

Nutrition and AMD

A growing body of research seems to suggest that diet may help prevent onset of AMD while enhancing your overall vision, reduce blurriness, and slow deterioration from AMD.

The role of a group of antioxidants called carotenoids (the pigments that give fruits and vegetables their color) has been getting a lot of attention in studies on AMD.  Lutein (loo-teen) and zeaxanthin (zeeah-zan-thin), two carotenoids, are the only pigments found in the macula.

Recent studies indicate that people who eat high amounts of foods rich in carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, have a much lower risk of developing AMD.

A patient with Macular Degeneration should have a diet rich in the following foods:

• Parsley Spinach Kale
• Greens Broccoli Celery
• 2 Egg Yolks per Week Red Wine and/or Grape Juice

(Please take into consideration other medical conditions that may restrict the use of some of the above-mentioned foods.)

Find out more about Nutrition and Supplements!

We encourage you to learn more about AMD.  Here are some websites, addresses, and phone numbers of organizations that can provide further information:

The American Macular Degeneration Foundation

P.O. Box 515
Northampton, Massachusetts 01061-0515
413-268-7660

National Eye Institute

2020 Vision Place
Bethesda, MD 20892-3655
301-496-5248

Macular Degeneration International

6700 North Oracle Road, Suite 121
Tucson, AZ 85704
800-393-7634
520-797-2525

Association for Macular Disease

210 E. 645th Street
New York, NY 10021
212-605-3719

http://www.ilovespinach.com

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