Macular degeneration affects central vision, and some sufferers can no longer
read books, write out checks, find phone numbers in a directory, watch
television, or see the facial expressions of their loved ones. Simple tasks
become impossible and frustration is common. Patients may feel alone because no
one they know can relate to macular degeneration's devastating effects. Not even
a new prescription for glasses can restore the individual's poor eyesight. Many
age-related macular degeneration patients fear that they will go to sleep and
wake up to nothing but complete darkness.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a debilitating eye disease affecting the elderly. Within
the eye is the macula, an area that allows people to see fine details and
colors. Macular degeneration prevents the macula from properly functioning and
the vision becomes blurred. The most distinguishing aspect of this eye disease
is that round spots cover the sufferer's field of vision so that it is difficult
to see things that are straight ahead. Fine details are impossible to see, but
the person's peripheral vision is unchanged.
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry
age-related macular degeneration is the result of fatty tissues called drusen
building up beneath the retina. Wet macular degeneration is caused by abnormal
blood vessels forming in the eye. Up to 90 percent of people diagnosed with
macular degeneration have the dry form.
Ways to Prevent Macular Degeneration
Doctors say that there is no way to undo the harm that this eye disease has
caused to the macula, but there are a few things that may lower your risks.
These include quitting smoking, losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and taking
a vitamin supplement for macular degeneration. Also, if you have a history of
macular degeneration in your family, you are at a higher risk for developing the
disease. You will need to see an eye specialist frequently for preventative
care.
Take Your Vitamins
Doctors agree that nothing will reverse the damage caused by age-related macular
degeneration, but studies have revealed interesting data in regards to this eye
disease. Yellow and green vegetables help prevent age-related macular
degeneration. Vegetables like squash, corn, broccoli, and spinach contain a
variety of nutrients and antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin, two
carotenoids. These vitamins and minerals may actually prevent macular
degeneration in some people.
Doctors suggest that people choose a vitamin supplement for macular degeneration
like VisiVite i-Defense Gold Formula that contains lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc,
vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. In fact, some retina specialists
believe that this combination of vitamins and minerals are of benefit to people
who are already suffering from macular degeneration in one eye. VisiVite i-Defense
Gold Formula may actually slow the drusen forming in the macula and prevent the
eye disease from forming in the other eye.
Keep Those Eye Doctor Appointments
One important aspect of senior eye health is to see your eye doctor often. You
may already have age-related macular degeneration, but not be exhibiting
symptoms. A retina specialist can determine if you have any eye diseases during
an exam when your eyes are fully dilated.
Expect to have a dilated eye exam every few years or more often if you already
have an eye disease. You may also need more frequent eye exams if you are
overweight, are a smoker, or have a history of age-related macular degeneration
in your family. All of these factors contribute to a higher incidence of this
eye disease.
Learn to Adapt with Low Vision Aids
Being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration can be quite frightening.
The important thing is to ask your retina specialist the right questions so that
you know what to expect and how to properly cope with this eye disease. Your eye
doctor can direct you on some important things that may help you manage your
condition.
For instance, you might invest in some special lighting that can prevent glare.
Optical devices and magnifiers are available for you to see things better close
up, but you might have to shop around to find the best one to suit your
individual needs. Large print books may enable you to continue with a cherished
pastime - reading! Reading machines have given many people with macular
degeneration the ability to cope with this eye disease by reading aloud
information to users.
Final Thoughts
If you are diagnosed with a retinal disease like macular degeneration, it is
very important that you realize you are not alone. You don't need to suffer in
silence. Your eye doctor may have suggestions to help you adapt to the issues
that age-related macular degeneration causes. Scientific evidence has shown that
everyone with this disease should take a vitamin supplement for macular
degeneration like VisiVite i-Defense Gold Formula to try and prevent your
blurred vision from worsening and possibly improve vision. Also, there are many
different low vision aids, magnifiers and optical devices, and other resources
available for the visually impaired. Please remember that it is important that
you see your retina specialist often, especially if your eyesight is worsening
or if you suspect a problem.