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Macular Degeneration
Overview:
Macular degeneration (MD) is the cause of over 60% of blindness in Australia. An estimated half a million Australians have early signs of retinal damage but because their vision is usually normal, many have no idea of their predicament.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms include:
* Blurring of central vision (the most common symptom).
* Central, or detailed vision is blocked by dark or empty spaces.
* Straight lines appear distorted or wavy (an early symptom).
* Inability to recognise faces until very close to them.
* Colour perception may change or diminish (uncommon).
* Peripheral vision is rarely affected.
Causes and Organs Affected:
The underlying causes of MD are unknown but several risk factors have been identified:
* Age – people in their 50’s have almost a 2% chance of suffering from MD. The risk increases to nearly 30% in those over 75 years.
* Females have a higher risk of MD than males.
* Smoking one packet of cigarettes per day doubles the risk of MD. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the number of years as a smoker.
* A family history of MD is associated with a higher risk.
* Light exposure.
* Light coloured irises (eg blue, grey or green eyes) are more closely associated with MD than brown irises.
Risk Factor:
Researchers don't know the exact causes of macular degeneration, but they have identified some contributing factors, including: Age, Family history of macular degeneration, Race, Sex, Cigarette smoking, Obesity, Light-colored eyes, Exposure to sunlight, Low levels of nutrients and Cardiovascular diseases.
Treatment:
If you are a smoker, quit smoking; protect the eyes from ultraviolet light by wearing sunglasses. Have regular check-ups with your eye care specialist. Eat an antioxidant-rich diet and supplement with an antioxidant plus zinc formula.
Lifestyle Management:
Dietary and lifestyle changes may help slow the development of MD. A diet rich in the following is beneficial:
* Green leafy and red and yellow vegetables such as kale, silver beet, spinach, broccoli, carrots and squashes – all good sources of antioxidants.
* Nuts and seeds, which are rich sources of vitamin E.
* Fish and eggs are sources of zinc.