Macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness, among people over age 65, in North America. It is a process of wear and tear in the macula, the part of your eye responsible for central and colour vision. It usually affects both eyes, but not necessarily to the same degree.
What are the types of ARMD?
There are two types of macular degeneration, dry and wet. The most common type, dry, usually has more minimal affects to vision than the wet form. The wet type may cause a rapid, severe vision loss. This usually occurs when abnormal, new blood vessels grow and leak fluid. The dry type can lead to the wet type. Presently there is no cure for macular degeneration.
How Can I Protect My Eyesight?
The two simplest ways to protect your eyes are to stop smoking if you smoke and to wear good UV sunglasses. Since macular degeneration may progress quickly from dry to wet, regular eye examinations are essential to allow for early laser treatment of any leaking blood vessels. Current research indicates certain vitamin supplements can help to slow down the progression, of macular degeneration and we may be recommending a nutritional supplement for you. In addition, a small grid pattern (Amsler Grid) may be used for home monitoring of your vision.