Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among older Canadians. Although AMD cannot be “cured,” recent research indicates that a diet rich in certain vitamins and minerals may help halt progression of the disease.
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in Canadians of 65 and over. The condition is more common among Caucasians than other races, and affects more women than men. Most cases of macular degeneration are related to aging. This condition is known as AMD or ARMD (age-related macular degeneration) and is the term used to describe macular degeneration in general. AMD can also occur as a side effect of some drugs, and it appears to run in families.
AMD is caused by the degeneration of the macula - a small area in the centre of the retina that allows us to see in detail. This sharp, straight-ahead vision is vital for activities such as driving, reading, recognizing faces or colours and doing close handwork like sewing or painting.
AMD results in a gradual distortion and sometimes the complete loss of central vision. Although AMD creates a “blind spot” in the centre of the visual field, AMD alone does not cause total blindness.
There is no known treatment that can reverse the loss of vision caused by AMD.
Types of AMD
There are two kinds of AMD - dry and wet. Close to 90 percent of cases are the dry form. This type of AMD appears to be caused by the aging and thinning of macular tissues, deposition of pigment in the macula, or a combination of these two processes.
The wet form of AMD causes rapid growth of small blood vessels beneath the retina. These vessels leak blood and other fluids which give rise to the scar tissue that causes central vision loss.
Symptoms of AMD
The symptoms of AMD include seeing blurred areas on printed pages of text, the wavy appearance of straight lines such as door or window frames, and dark or empty spaces blocking the central area of vision.
Since AMD usually develops gradually, it is difficult for a person to detect during the early stages. The condition can, however, be detected during an eye examination, making annual eye examinations vitally important for people aged 55 and over.
Can You Prevent AMD?
While there is no certain way to prevent AMD, recent research suggests that taking certain vitamins, minerals and plant nutrients may play a key role in slowing progression of the disease.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), supported by the US National Eye Institute, studied the effects of antioxidants and zinc on the progression of AMD and vision loss caused by AMD. The study concluded that high levels of antioxidant vitamins and zinc reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD by about 25 percent, and reduced the risk of vision loss from AMD by about 19 percent. (Zinc supplementation is especially helpful for people who may be deficient in zinc, in particular, seniors.)
Certain plant pigments known as bioflavonoids also appear to be helpful in preventing the development and progression of AMD. Two of these pigments lutein and zeaxanthin - are present in the macular region of the retina and are linked to normal vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, collard greens, Brussels sprouts and kale; in corn, red seedless grapes, kiwi fruit, squash, oranges, tomatoes and carrots. Lutein is also present in egg yolks. You will also find these important bioflavonoids in some vitamin supplements formulated to provide support for the eyes.
Protecting your eyes against the ravages of sunlight (UV light) is also important to the health of the macula. UV light entering the eye causes an increase in the production of free radicals - volatile molecules that destroy cell structures. Always wear sunglasses when outside in bright sunlight and make sure those glasses provide full spectrum UV protection.
Vitalux® time release supplements for eye health are available from the pharmacy at
London Drugs. Choose from Multivitamins with Lutein, high potencyAREDS Multivitamins with Lutein, and Multivitamins with Lutein with no beta-carotene. (This formulation is suitable for smokers since beta-carotene may increase a smoker's risk of developing lung cancer.)