Macular Degeneration and The Elderly

Age-related macular degeneration, more commonly referred to as AMD, is known to be the leading cause of loss of vision in the elderly. The tissues and nerves of the eyes begin to deteriorate over time, causing loss of vision in the center field. The majority of people who suffer from AMD are over the age of 65. The condition affects both men and women, though is slightly more common in older women.

When your ophthalmologist or optometrist studies your eyes, all aspects of the organ are taken into consideration. From the outwardly visible portions, such as the lids, iris and pupils to the parts that are hidden within and around the eye, such as the retina and the optical nerve, signs of any damage are analyzed and recorded. The presence of drusen, or deposits of waste that collect between blood vessel layers in the eye, are the first symptom of macular degeneration. Your eye doctor will look for pigmentary alterations along the retina and take the severity of the changes into consideration when making a definitive diagnosis.

Ongoing studies continue to research potential correlations between AMD and other conditions, such as obesity and hypertension. Even as scientists go on to learn more about the condition itself and possible causes, experts recommend that sufferers make healthy lifestyle choices every day to prevent worsening of their AMD symptoms. Simple changes include switching to a diet of low glycemic index foods and abstaining from smoking. Some examples of these types of food include minimally processed grains, beans, legumes, rice, fruits, vegetables and other carbohydrates that are unrefined and natural.

In addition, researchers have discovered a number of omega 3 fatty acids correlated with reduced progression of AMD, however this needs to be studied further. This essential compound can be found in a variety of food sources, such as salmon, nuts and eggs. Monthly injections of anti-VEGF, other medicines or surgery if determined necessary by your doctor may become necessary when vision is severely obstructed and daily tasks become difficult or impossible.