Macular Degeneration

The causes of MD are not known although research indicates that genetic causes, dietary factors and lifestyle all play a part.

Once sight has been lost a result of MD it cannot be restored, but it is thought that the progress of the disease can be slowed by making lifestyle changes.

The risk factors for MD are:

• Age - this is the main risk factor.

• Diet and Nutrition - a poor diethigh in fats and low in vitamins and excessive alcohol leads to a higherlevel of oxygen charged molecules, which may damage the macula.

• Sunlight - cell damage to themacula can be caused by sunlight.

• Genetics – AMD has not been provedto be hereditary, although people with a family history of AMD have anincreased chance of developing the condition.

• Smoking – more than doubles the risk of AMD.

Life style changes that are recommended are:

• Eat a good diet rich in fruits and greens

• Wear sunglasses, which reduce the blue wavelength.

• Reduce saturated fats, cholesterol and alcohol.

• Stop smoking

• Visit your Eye 2 Eye every two years for an eye examination.

Whatis Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration (MD) is the collective term for over 1,500 conditions, which affect the central vision by damage to the macula, a small area at the back of the eye.
Macular degeneration is the most common form of visual impairment in the UK.

The retina is a very thin tissue that lines the back of the eye and contains thelight sensing cells that send visual signals to the brain. Sharp, clear centralvision is processed by the macula, which is a circular patch in the centralpart of the retina and is about the size of a grain of rice.

MD occurs when the layer of the retina responsible for nourishing the macula’s sensitive rod and cone cells, and for carrying away waste products, starts tofunction less effectively as it ages.

Cellsin the macula breakdown, causing loss of light in the central part of the fieldof vision but leaving the side vision, known as the peripheral vision,unaffected.

Although people do not lose all their sight, reading, recognition of faces,driving, watching TV and colour definition become impossible.

The condition develops in one or both eyes and often begins with small distortionsin vision. It advances to a state in which there is no central vision.