Overview Age Related Macular Degeneration

What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

 

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 60. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Because the disease develops as a person ages, it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although macular degeneration is almost never a totally blinding condition, it can be a source of significant visual disability.

There are two main types of age-related macular degeneration:

• Dry form. The "dry" form of macular degeneration is characterized by the presence of yellow deposits, called drusen, in the macula. A few small drusen may not cause changes in vision; however, as they grow in size and increase in number, they may lead to a dimming or distortion of vision that people find most noticeable when they read. In more advanced stages of dry macular degeneration, there is also a thinning of the light-sensitive layer of cells in the macula leading to atrophy, or tissue death. In the atrophic form of dry macular degeneration, patients may have blind spots in the center of their vision. In the advanced stages, patients lose central vision. 
• Wet form. The "wet" form of macular degeneration is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels from the choroid underneath the macula. This is called choroidal neovascularization. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the retina, causing distortion of vision that makes straight lines look wavy, as well as blind spots and loss of central vision. These abnormal blood vessels eventually scar, leading to permanent loss of central vision. 

Most patients with macular degeneration have the dry form of the disease and will not lose central vision. However, the dry form of macular degeneration can lead to the wet form. Although only about 10% of people with macular degeneration develop the wet form, they make up the majority of those who experience serious vision loss from the disease.

It is very important for people with macular degeneration to monitor their eyesight carefully and see their eye doctor on a regular basis.

What Are the Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration?

 

As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration is more common in older adults. In fact, it is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over age 60.

Macular degeneration may be hereditary, meaning it can be passed on from parents to children. If someone in your family has or had the condition you may be at higher risk for developing macular degeneration. Talk to your eye doctor about your individual risk.

Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and being white are also risk factors for macular degeneration.

What Are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

 

In its early stages, macular degeneration may not have symptoms and may be unrecognized until it progresses or affects both eyes. The first sign of macular degeneration is usually a dim, blurry spot in the middle of your vision. This spot may get bigger or darker over time.

Symptoms of macular degeneration include: 

• Dark, blurry areas in the center of vision
• Diminished or changed color perception 

If you experience any of these symptoms, see an eye specialist as soon as possible.

How Is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?

 

Age-related macular degeneration can be detected in a routine eye exam. One of the most common early signs of macular degeneration is the presence of drusen -- tiny yellow deposits under the retina. Your doctor can see these when examining your eyes. Your doctor may also ask you to look at an Amsler grid -- a pattern of straight lines that resemble a checkerboard. Some of the straight lines may appear wavy to you, or you may notice that some of the lines are missing. These can be signs of macular degeneration.

If your doctor detects age-related macular degeneration, you may have a procedure called angiography or an OCT. In angiography, a dye is injected into a vein in the arm. Photographs are taken as the dye reaches the eye and flows through the blood vessels of the retina. If there are new vessels or vessels leaking fluid or blood in the macula, the photographs will show their exact location and type. OCT is able to see fluid or blood underneath the retina without using dye.

Early detection of age-related macular degeneration is very important because there are treatments that can delay or reduce the severity of the disease.

What Treatments Are Available for Macular Degeneration?

 

There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but treatments may prevent severe vision loss or slow the progression of the disease considerably. Several options are available, including: 

• Anti-angiogenesis drugs. These medications (Avastin, Eyelea, Lucentis, Macugen) block the development of new blood vessels and leakage from the abnormal vessels within the eye that cause wet macular degeneration. This treatment has been a major change in the treatment of this condition and many patients have actually regained vision that was lost. The treatment may need to be repeated during follow-up visits.
• Vitamins. A large study performed by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, called AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study), showed that for certain individuals, vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper can decrease the risk of vision loss in patients with intermediate to advanced dry macular degeneration. Ask your eye doctor if these vitamin supplements will benefit you before taking them.
• Laser therapy. High-energy laser light can sometimes be used to destroy actively growing abnormal blood vessels that occur in macular degeneration.
• Photodynamic laser therapy. A two-step treatment in which a light-sensitive drug (Visudyne) is used to damage the abnormal blood vessels. A doctor injects the drug into the bloodstream to be absorbed by the abnormal blood vessels in the eye. The doctor then shines a cold laser into the eye to activate the drug, damaging the abnormal blood vessels.
• Low vision Devices. Devices that have special lenses or electronic systems that produce enlarged images of nearby objects. They help people who have vision loss from macular degeneration make the most of their remaining vision. 

Researchers are studying new treatments for macular degeneration. The following treatments are considered experimental and have been used less often since the development of anti-angiogenic medications have developed:

• Submacular surgery. Surgery to remove the abnormal blood vessels or blood.
• Retinal translocation. A surgical procedure used to destroy abnormal blood vessels that are located directly under the center of the macula, where a laser beam cannot be placed safely. In the procedure, the macular center is rotated away from the abnormal blood vessels to a healthy area of the retina, thus preventing the formation of scar tissue and further damage to the retina. Once moved away from the abnormal blood vessels, a laser is used to treat the abnormal blood vessels.
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What Is the Outlook for People With Macular Degeneration?

 

People rarely lose all of their vision from age-related macular degeneration. They may have poor central vision, but they are still able to perform many normal daily activities.

The wet form of macular degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. When both eyes are affected, you may experience a significant decrease in your quality of life.

The dry form of age-related macular degeneration is much more common and tends to progress more slowly, allowing you to keep most of your vision.

Unfortunately, even after wet macular degeneration treatment, the condition can recur. Because of this, individuals with macular degeneration must test their own vision regularly and follow the recommendations of their ophthalmologist. Successful and timely treatment will slow the rate of vision loss and often improve vision.

AMD Update 17 Dame Judi Dench Has Macular Degeneration

Over the weekend, several articles appeared in the British press and also here in the States, about Dame Judi Dench announcing that she has macular degeneration – dry in one eye and wet in the other – and that she was going blind, although she was receiving treatment for the wet AMD in the hopes of preserving some of her sight in that eye.

I considered writing about this, but couldn’t find the right words – then I read what my friend Steve Rose of the Foundation Fighting Blindness had written on his blog, Eye on the Cure – and realized that he had the story just right.

So, with his permission, here is what he wrote:

Truly Grand Dame

Dr. Stephen Rose

Chief Research Officer

Foundation Fighting Blindness

Feb 20, 2012 05:30 pm

She's best-known, these days, as "M," director of the British Secret Service, in the last half-dozen James Bond films. But at 77, actress Judi Dench didn't earn the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire solely for turning the notion of "Bond girl" on its head. In fact, she earned that title back in 1988, after delivering what was already a career-and-a-half's worth of stage and film performances, in everything from Shakespeare to the musical Cabaret. Since then, she's worked non-stop, playing, among other notable roles, Queens Elizabeth (Shakespeare in Love) and Victoria (Mrs. Brown) on film and starring in a long-running BBC hit comedy, As Time Goes By.

So it was with sadness that this past weekend I read the wire reports that Dame Judi has age-related macular degeneration, otherwise known as AMD. She reportedly can't read scripts anymore, nor can she see clearly the faces of fellow actors and, more important, family and friends.

That sadness, however, is mixed with hope. And those of you acquainted with the Foundation probably know why.

AMD is a retinal degenerative disease that affects the macula - the part of the retina that allows us to see fine detail. Worldwide, AMD is the most common cause of blindness in those 50 and older. More than 1.6 million in England are affected, and roughly 10 million people in the United States either have AMD or are at risk for developing it.

It's no surprise that Dame Judi mentioned, in an interview, that her mother had AMD, seeing as Foundation-funded researchers discovered that genetics appears to be a major factor in more than half of AMD cases.

Dame Judi also mentioned having both kinds of AMD - wet and dry - one in each eye. Dry AMD, which accounts for 90 percent of all cases, is caused by the accumulation of protein- and fat-containing "drusen," or waste deposits. It's true that drusen can become apparent with age and not cause vision loss, and it usually takes many years for a person to lose vision to dry AMD. People with dry AMD don't usually experience a total loss of central vision, but they do lose significant ability to read, drive and do work that requires seeing fine detail (like Dame Judi). And they are at greater risk for developing the more severe wet form.

Wet AMD is the one which causes more vision loss. It's "wet" because abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula, leaking blood and fluid and doing damage to photoreceptor cells. Wet AMD often progresses rapidly and can cause substantial loss of central vision.

So, why am I hopeful? Well, Ms. Dench did mention she's getting injections, and that they may be helping stop the vision loss. Although the article didn't go into detail, there are now a few treatments available to people with wet AMD - Lucentis and, more recently, a drug called Eylea, are FDA-approved here in the United States, and some ophthalmologists are using Lucentis' cousin, Avastin - developed to treat colon cancer - off label. All these were made possible by Foundation-funded studies supplying research leading to their development. Essentially, these treatments dry up those blood vessels, halting vision loss and, in some cases, even restoring some vision for people with wet AMD.

One last detail that's not surprising, considering Dame Judi's longevity in a career usually not kind to women of certain ages: her pluck. She says she has every intent to continue working, as people can read her scripts and directors can make accommodations for her on film. At the Foundation, and at AMD Alliance International, of which we're a member, we have seen that same kind of determination in many people with AMD, including those I spoke with a couple weeks ago during a seminar in Florida. These are resourceful, optimistic and determined people who continue to inspire us in our search for treatments and cures for all retinal diseases.

Dame Judi was quoted as saying she has no plans to retire soon. We, at the Foundation, certainly hope not, and we look forward to many more great performances.

Guide On Choosing The Best Supplement For Macular Degeneration

By Brenda Lee

One of the main health problems affecting aged people is macular degeneration. Even though not all old people suffer from this eye disease, almost 20 percent of all old people suffer from it. This has made it one of the main threats to everyone in their sixties. The great thing is that there are specific medications and supplements which can be taken to reduce chances of the disease developing. Whenever you decide to buy the best supplement for macular degeneration, there are certain aspects you will need to think about.

One important consideration in buying macular degeneration supplements is expiry date. You ought to check the manufacturing and expiry date to be sure the medicine is still safe for human use. In order to be fully sure the supplement has not expired, check the bottle sealing to confirm if it has been interfered with.

Choose between tablets and capsules. It is scientifically proven that capsules are quicker to absorb when compared to tablets. Likewise, capsules rarely cause stomach upsets as it is the case with tablets. As a result, it is recommended you purchase capsules if you want to profit more from using vision degeneration supplements.

Determine how many of the tablets or capsules you are supposed to take per session. That is, confirm with the dealer to know how many capsules or tablets you should take per day and for how many sessions. These supplements include different amounts of nutrients and considering that each person can take different amounts of nutrients based on their health condition, knowing the amount of tablets or capsules to take will avoid you making mistakes.

Look for supplements that are rich in easily absorb-able ingredients. That means the supplement you select should have the right ingredients and in the right forms. Do check with your doctor to know what ingredients are best suited for your kind of health problem.

Look for high-grade products that are rich in the right ingredients and not fillers. Every eye deterioration medication that has dairy products, corn or wheat as ingredients should not be on your list to consider supplements since it will not be of any assistance. This is because such ingredients do not add much value to eye problems prevention.

Pick the right supplement brands that have been tested and proven to be safe and effective. Browse through several product reviews to familiarize with the most common brands of supplements. This will enable you to know exactly what kind of brand is mostly preferred by other customers and why it would be your best bet.

Finally, choose the right manufacturer for macular degeneration medications. Not every manufacturer who currently makes and sells supplements for treating eye problems can be trusted. Some manufacturers are just after making more sales out of each product they make and rarely considers the reaction of the end customer. Other manufacturers are in the business to help people with eye problems find lasting problems to their problems and always create high-quality products that can be relied on. It is up to you to make your selection decision wisely.

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Understanding The Best Supplement For Macular Degeneration

By Margaret Morris

At old age, you might experience the gradual loss of eyesight. The main reason for this is the changes in the central part of the eye. The changes result in a person being unable to see things clearly. Reading and recognizing the faces becomes a challenge. Top delay sight loss, you will need foods and supplements. Below are tips that will help you to know the best supplement for macular degeneration.

Ask for directions from the therapists and medical facilities. Seeking professional guidance will enable you to learn one or two things about the supplements. Many people have no idea about the most appropriate foods to take to enhance the immunity and thus, boost the vision. Therapists with expertise in the area will offer solid advice. They will give you a variety of options from which you can choose from based on their understanding.

Among the supplements are Vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A, like the rest, contains antioxidants, which acts on free radicals that exist in the body. Free radicals, on the other hand, are the major issues surrounding ADM. Besides, Vitamins C and E contain Lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc components that help in eliminating the free radicals. People should consume things that will mop up retina damaging elements.

Beside Vitamins are vegetables and fruits. Greens form the greatest source of material components that will help in getting rid of the free radicals. Kales, spinach, collard greens, and mustard greens contain a lot of lutein. Additionally, red grapes, cantaloupe, mangoes, oranges, and peppers are among the fruits that people can take. They contain high levels of antioxidants that are critical for the human body.

Again, you can take fish and seafood at least 2-3 times in a week. Fish is a vital source of omega-3, which is crucial for the heart and eyes. However, some do not like fish at all, and they will need an alternative. The immediate alternative is capsules that are rich in the omega-3 component. Consuming such will boost the immunity and thus help the eyes to remain in a perfect condition despite the retina problems.

Nevertheless, you must avoid excessive fats. Meals that carry excessive fats are dangerous for people who have issues with their vision. It can result in total blindness as they contribute to AMD problems. Beef, pork, lard, and butter have high amounts of fats that are unsuitable for consumption. Besides, palm oil and coconut oil are dangerous as well. Take something safe like the avocado oil to avoid pointless setbacks.

Further, understand the supplement before taking. They exist in several types and forms from which an individual can choose from when purchasing. Doctors state that people must seek to comprehend the ingredients before consuming. Besides, one should use in the right manner and dosage. AREDS and AREDS2 are the few types that exist in the chemists and medical facilities for clients to buy.

Knowing every aspect of the nutrients providers is paramount. You will be able to make the right selection. Engage therapists when choosing the most appropriate ones. With no doubt, you will be able to make a reliable decision.

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