Understanding Macular Degeneration: Protecting Your Vision
This year, I’ll be sharing a series of articles on eye health. To kick things off, let’s talk about macular degeneration, a condition that affects around 700,000 people in the UK. You may have heard Dame Judi Dench share her struggles with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which has impacted her independence and ability to drive. But what exactly is AMD, and what can we do about it?
What is Macular Degeneration?
The macula, located at the back of your eye, is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed, and colour vision. When it deteriorates, it can cause patchy vision loss, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, or adapt to changes in light.
There are two main types of AMD:
- Dry AMD: The more common form, where the macula thins and waste material (drusen) builds up, leading to gradual vision loss.
- Wet AMD: A less common but more severe form involving abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood, potentially causing rapid vision loss.
Causes of Macular Degeneration and potential Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing AMD:
- Age: Risk increases significantly after 50.
- Genetics: A family history of AMD raises your risk.
- Race & Gender: More common in fair-skinned individuals and women.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and poor nutrition all contribute.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure can harm your eyes.
Prevention and Management of Macular Degeneration
While some risk factors like age and genetics are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to protect your vision:
- Regular Eye Exams: OCT scans every six months help detect changes early.
- Healthy Habits: Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.
- Diet: Eat leafy greens, colourful vegetables, and fish rich in omega-3s. Supplements containing zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, and lutein can also help.
- UV Protection: Wear sunglasses that block UV light and wide-brimmed hats when outdoors.
What If You Develop Wet AMD?
If caught early, treatment for wet AMD can stabilise vision. This involves a series of injections to reduce swelling and stop abnormal blood vessel growth. Treatment typically starts with injections every four weeks and adjusts based on progress.