AMD is a disease of the macula, an area at the back of the eye that is essential for seeing detail, colour and things straight ahead. Although it rarely causes total sight loss, it robs people of central vision, making it hard or impossible to read, drive, identify faces, watch tv, do fine tasks, navigate stairs and many other everyday tasks.
In dry AMD macular cells are damaged due to lack of nutrients and debris known as drusen builds up; it usually progresses slowly. Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels form under the macula, which can leak leading to scarring and rapid loss of vision.
Risk factors are: age, gender, genes and lifestyle. AMD is most common in the over-60s and women. Blue-eyed people are most at risk, while smoking, sun exposure, unhealthy eating and possibly alcohol all increase risk.
Treatment. Wet AMD is treated using injectable medications. Dry AMD cannot be treated, but using magnifiers to read and techniques like 'eccentic viewing' which trains patients to use remaining peripheral vision (e.g. looking slightly to one side of a tv screen) can help. Clinical trials are investigating drops or tablets for wet AMD and stem cells for dry AMD.
Eating for eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin (two members of the carotinoid family) may offer some protection.
Healthspan magazine, Spring 2014
