Macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.
AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.

In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.

Despite years of everyone knowing carrots were good for your eyes, this may not be true: at least as it relates to macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a disorder that affects the macula (the central part of the retina of the eye) causing decreased vision and possible loss of central vision. It is one of the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.

Treatment options for the two types of macular degeneration vary. Although the damage already caused by either type cannot be reversed, progress of the condition can be stopped.

For dry macular degeneration, there is no treatment, but this type progresses very slowly and loss of vision is less common, especially if only one eye is affected. There are some emerging treatments and ongoing treatment studies, which you can read about by following the link below.

Visual functions depend on the integrity of complex structures, first and most important that of the retina. Light perception by photoreceptor cells in the retina, transformation of these signals to electric impulses and finally, their transmission to the brain are the key steps involved in vision. However, due to its complexity, the retina is particularly vulnerable to toxic by-products of cell-metabolism. These substances play a crucial role in the development of degenerative alterations, and their negative effects increase with age.

The risk of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, can be significantly lowered with a vitamin-rich diet.