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What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among older adults. The macula is the most central part of the retina and is responsible for our most acute vision. Macular degeneration is becoming an epidemic and affects up to 1/3 of aging adults. It can seriously rob you of your independence and your ability to drive, read, cook, fish, knit, see your grandchildren and enjoy your retirement years. Macular degeneration can be treated much more successfully in the early stages. Certain nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin or omega 3 fish oils seem to be helpful in preventing or delaying macular degeneration.

What increases my risk for macular degeneration? Smoking (even if you have quit), light eyes and light skin, age over 60, female, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, family history of macular degeneration, family history of diabetes or high blood pressure, lifetime exposure to bright sunlight, being overweight. The risk of getting macular degeneration can therefore be reduced in some cases (such as getting nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin which are in green leafy vegetables such as kale or spinach) but unfortunately you can not control the color of your eyes or skin or age. It is important to do whatever you can to prevent macular degeneration since it is the leading cause of blindness over the age of 60.

How do you test for macular degeneration? We now have the latest technology (Fourier Domain OCT) that allows us to detect macular degeneration in the very earliest stages. We can see defects in the macula and measure swelling in increments of one micron (one millioneth of a meter). Other tests for macular degeneration include a dilated eye exam, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, amsler grids, and specialized testing such as fluorescein angiography. One benefit of detecting macular degeneration in the earliest stages is that we can recommend preventative measures that may be tailored especially for you. For example, we can do macular pigment density testing which measures the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in your macula which helps reduce your risk of getting maular degeneration.

How is it macular degeneration prevented? Quit smoking, eat a healthy diet, get early detection of risk factors such as low macular pigments, get diagnosed in early stages of macular degeneration, take nutritional supplements containing zeaxanthin, lutein, selenium, zinc, vitamin E, omega 3 oils, alpha lipoic acid etc. Anything you do to prevent or reduce the risk of macular degeneration and the possibilty of blindness is well worth the efforty.

How is macular degeneration treated? laser treatments, treatments with new drugs such as Avastin and Lucentis and photodynamic therapy. There have been many advances and increased success in treating macular degeneration in the past few years, but the fact remains that prevention of blindness is always a better idea than waiting until it is more difficult to treat.

Macular Degeneration

Normal Macula

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Minskys, Bogeys, Goodyear, Dr. Nelson (Dentist), Dr. Baker(Veterinarian)