In honor of February being Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, the Huffman eye care team at Vista Eye Center would like to talk to our patients about this all-too-common disease, which stands as a leading cause of vision loss among individuals aged 50 and older.
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), occurs when the central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The macula is responsible for central vision, enabling us to see fine details clearly. As AMD progresses, it can significantly affect daily activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
Fortunately, with early detection, treatment, and good lifestyle choices, damage to your eye health and vision can be prevented or minimized, and you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this dangerous eye disease. Let’s find out how!
The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
Early detection and treatment of macular degeneration are important when managing this condition effectively. In its early stages, AMD may not cause symptoms, going unnoticed until significant damage to your eyes and vision has already occurred. This is why regular eye exams are so crucial. They allow your eye doctor to monitor the health of your eyes and detect changes in the macula before symptoms appear. Early intervention can slow the progression of the disease, especially in the case of the "wet" form of AMD, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leaking fluid and blood.
Reducing Your Risk of Developing Macular Degeneration
Several factors, including age and genetic predisposition, can influence your risk of developing macular degeneration. While you can’t change these particular factors, you can change certain lifestyle choices, significantly reducing the risk. These include:
- Diet: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables, can protect the retina. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, are also beneficial.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of AMD and other cardiovascular conditions by lowering stress levels and blood pressure, which takes the strain off blood vessels throughout the body, including in the eyes.
- No Smoking: As with many parts of the body, the eyes are profoundly and negatively affected by smoking. It significantly increases the risk of AMD by narrowing and thinning blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of leakage from blood vessels within the eye. Quitting smoking is essential for eye health.
- Protect Your Eyes From The Sun: Wearing sunglasses year-round that block UV and blue light can protect your eyes from harmful rays that may contribute to macular degeneration over time.
Macular Support at Vista Eye Center
Macular degeneration is a serious condition that can lead to significant vision loss, but with early detection and treatment and proper lifestyle choices, you can minimize its impact. Speak to our Huffman eye care team at Vista Eye Center today to learn more about how we can help you maintain your eye health and keep your vision clear for years to come!