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(February 15, 2010)  Chances are, you've never heard of age-related macular degeneration. Most people are much more familiar with cataracts or glaucoma than this sight thief. February has been declared Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Month to increase awareness and encourage early detection and treatment.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over the age of 60. More than 1.6 million Americans age 50 and over have AMD. The macula is a small spot in the central area of the retina, located at the back of the eye. Someone with age-related macular degeneration may notice dark or empty spaces in the center of their vision.

There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry. The dry form accounts for about 90% of the cases of AMD. In this form, tiny deposits develop beneath the macula, signaling degeneration and thinning of nerve tissue. Most people with this version of the disease will not lose their central vision. But, about 10% of people with dry macular degeneration will develop the wet form of the disease. In this version, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the macula and leak blood and fluid onto and underneath the retina. This causes retinal cells to die, leading to blurs and blank spots in the vision field. Most people who experience significant vision loss have the wet form of macular degeneration.

Early diagnosis by an eye doctor is very important. Fortunately, the condition rarely results in complete blindness since side vision is usually not affected. However, when a substantial amount of central vision is lost, it affects the ability to perform simple, everyday tasks, and diminishes the quality of life.

Guidelines for older adults include:

• Visit your eye doctor regularly. Adults in good health should have their eyes examined at least every other year, and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes require more frequent exams. As in all health challenges, early detection and treatment is often the key to preserving quality of life. The complete exam - with dilated eyes – is necessary in order for the doctor to visualize the inside of the eye and check for diseases such as AMD and glaucoma.
• Learn the warning signs of AMD.
• Straight lines such as telephone poles, the sides of tall buildings and streetlight posts may appear wavy.
• Type in books, magazines or newspapers looks blurry, with incomplete letters.
• Color perception may change or be diminished.
• If AMD is diagnosed, treatment typically consists of medications injected into the eye, use of a laser to destroy unhealthy new blood vessels in the eye and even vitamin supplements.

Risk factors that may put you at increased risk for AMD:

• Age – the likelihood of developing AMD increases with age, with most cases occurring in adults age 65 or older.
• Race – macular degeneration is more common in whites, but can occur in all races.
• Smoking – people who smoke may double their risks of developing AMD.
• Diet – too many harmful fats in your diet may contribute to development of AMD. Instead, eat a diet rich in dark, leafy vegetables, and consume plenty of fruits and nuts. And fish, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, may also be beneficial. Talk to your doctor about using supplements or multivitamins with antioxidants and zinc.
• Exercise / Weight - get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
• Wear sunglasses - protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) and blue light.
• Control health conditions – uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes may contribute to the development of AMD.

There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, we are often able to slow the progression of the disease and prevent or postpone development of the wet form of AMD. To take advantage of the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment, it’s important to work closely with your ophthalmologist or eye health professional and follow recommendations regarding eye examinations and treatment.