Macular Degeneration and Causes of Low Vision

Age related macular degeneration is one of the primary causes of low vision among elderly Americans. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is the leading cause of blindness in the United States for those over the age of 50. Macular degeneration causes a loss of vision in the center of the retina, which is the most troublesome area in which to suffer problems. Low vision in this area can cause victims to have trouble seeing details, and even cause them to be unable to recognize faces. It also impacts other areas of life, such as driving, reading, and playing cards.

All of our low vision doctors are well versed in macular degeneration, its causes and symptoms, treatments. Besides the use of eye glasses for low vision, our low vision specialists can prescribe telescope glasses, electronic tools, medication, and other low vision aids to combat vision problems. In short, all of our doctors are ready to do whatever it takes to prescribe the correct macular degeneration treatment and help you maintain your quality of life.

Macular Degeneration Causes

• Age: Sadly enough, a large number of elderly Americans will suffer from macular degeneration. Approximately 30% of Americans between 75 and 85 years of age suffer from this ailment.
• Family history: People with a family history of macular degeneration are four times more likely to suffer from it themselves than someone without a family history of the problem.
• High blood pressure: Hypertension has been linked to the onset of macular degeneration.
• Poor diet: High fat intake and cholesterol counts have also been shown to cause an increase in the likelihood of this affliction.
• Race: Whites are much more likely to suffer from macular degeneration than are blacks.

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

• Blurred vision. This can occur gradually, or it can happen in a very short amount of time. The blurriness will usually occur in the center of the field of vision.
• Shadows or missing areas of vision.
• Distorted vision. Straight lines may appear wavy, or may not be visible at all.
• Difficulty discerning between colors.
• A very slow recovery of vision after being exposed to bright light.

Macular Degeneration Prevention

A number of studies on eye related diseases have uncovered some ideas about how to prevent the onset of age related macular degeneration.

• Increase your intake of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.
• Some high risk patients are currently being given the drug Retanne as way to possibly reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
• Stimulation of certain acupuncture points for the eye could also help reduce the risk of this disease.
• Eat foods high in Lutein and zeaxanthin, including eggs, spinach, kale, broccoli, and corn.

Talk to your low vision doctor about the ways in which you can prevent macular degeneration, or treat it if you have already been diagnosed.