Dr. David Lipschitz Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in the United States, affecting more than 13 million older people. The cause is not clear, but we do know that cigarette smoking is a major risk factor, heredity plays a role and there is minor evidence to suggest that it is more common in those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

Macular degeneration is generally divided into two distinct forms. The most common (90 percent) is the dry form, which causes very gradual visual loss. The wet form is much more serious and accounts for 90 percent of the blindness caused by this disease.

There is good news for patients with wet macular degeneration, where abnormal proliferation of blood vessels leads to accumulation of fluid in the retina and rapid visual loss. In a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a drug called Ranibizumab (trade name Lucentis) was shown to arrest the proliferation of blood vessels in the eye. Lucentis is injected directly into the eye and not only halts progress of macular degeneration, but actually improves vision and prevents blindness. This is an incredible breakthrough that hopefully will improve the quality of life of millions of individuals with this disease.

The dry form of macular degeneration is more common, causing gradual loss of central vision, while peripheral vision is generally retained. This means that if you look at something directly it appears blurred and distorted. However, if you look straight ahead, objects on either side of your eye appear clearer. Reading becomes difficult, and vision is distorted so that straight lines such as the edge of a table or the side of a door appear wavy and blurred. Sadly, loss of central vision can significantly impair quality of life.

Reading, driving, watching television and shopping become difficult. Patients with macular degeneration are at greater risk of falling, have difficulty recognizing family and friends and are prone to depression.

Distortion of vision has led to a special screening test for macular degeneration. The Amsler Grid is a series of horizontal and perpendicular lines creating squares of about 1 centimeter. Screening involves wearing glasses (if needed), closing one eye and focusing on a central dot in the middle of the grid. The grid should be about 12 inches from your eyes. If any of the lines appear irregular, you may have macular degeneration. The lines may appear wavy, gray rather than black, vary in size or appear fuzzy. The grid is widely available on the Internet, in doctor's offices or at your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Everyone over the age of 50 should be screened annually for macular degeneration.

There is no good treatment for patients with the dry form of macular degeneration. Fortunately, vision is never completely lost. There is some evidence to suggest that certain B vitamins, zinc and some antioxidants may slow progression of the disease. Special multivitamin preparations containing B vitamins, lutein and zinc that are specifically designed for patients with macular degeneration are readily available at any supermarket or drugstore.

Although the evidence supporting potential benefit is minimal, I see no reason not to take this supplement daily. Diets rich in dark, leafy green vegetables may be beneficial. Of more importance is stopping smoking, making sure that high blood pressure is treated and cholesterol lowered and that you exercise daily. At a minimum a person with macular degeneration should walk for at least an hour daily. This improves circulatory health and increases blood supply to the retina.

Always wear sunglasses outdoors, as UV light may cause damage to pigment cells in the retina and contribute to or aggravate macular degeneration. Reading can be made easier by using a halogen light that produces less glare than a regular bulb and spreads light better. Magnifying glasses and large print or books on tape can also be helpful. Low-vision therapists can teach patients with macular degeneration to better use peripheral vision and learn techniques to improve visual acuity.

Older people rank loss of vision as one of their most serious concerns. Incredible advances in treatment combined with protection of your eyes throughout life and regular visits to an ophthalmologist have the potential of dramatically reducing the incidence of blindness in our lifetime.

Try out the Amsler Grid for yourself (available online at www.vrmny.com/amsler.htm). Follow the directions and if you are concerned see an ophthalmologist.

From: http://www.arcamax.com/lifelonghealth/s-129499-594647