The LIGHT Center, T-90, College of the Redwoods (476-4290) - November 6, 2000

Most of us will end up at some time in our lives needing corrective lenses. It’s certainly a milestone when you realize that you’re not able to change focus from near to far as easily anymore. Some people are lucky enough to require lenses only when reading. Others need glasses for both distance and close work. Our sight, whether aided by corrected lenses or not, is easily taken for granted.

Macular Degeneration is a common eye disease in which the macula, or center of the retina begins to deteriorate. If you recall from high school biology, the retina is that paper-like tissue at the back of the eye which houses light sensitive cells. The macula is responsible for processing clear, sharp vision. Damage to this area results in blurred or distorted vision, and possibly blind spots. Depending upon the type of degeneration present, the lessening of visual acuity may be gradual or sudden. There may be difficulty reading or doing tasks that require careful attention to visual detail. Distortion may also occur, rendering straight lines such as door frames wavy or bent. However, it seldom results in total blindness.

Macular Degeneration is categorized into two types: wet and dry. The wet form of comprises about 10% of the total population of sufferers, and is the result of new blood vessels forming around the eye to improve the blood supply to the retinal tissue. However, new vessels are sensitive and break easily, causing bleeding and subsequent damage to the surrounding eye tissue. Dry macular degeneration is much more common, and is typically less severe in nature. Also, the onset of visual deterioration is slower in the dry form of the disease. In this type, there is a loss of pigment in the retina, as well as small yellow deposits that form within the layers of the retina.

Who is at risk for macular degeneration? This is a difficult question. It tends to be age related, and is often referred to as Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Currently AMD accounts for one third of all cases of blindness in the US, affecting about 1.7 million people over the age of 65. It is estimated that as the baby boomers age, 6.3 million Americans will suffer from the disease by the year 2030. The risk factors also include gender, with females being slightly more susceptible to the disease. Family history of vascular problems such as arteriosclerosis, and high cholesterol also seem to be related. A depressed intake for fruits and veggies also appear related to the onset of this disease, especially green leafy vegetables. Light skin toned and blue eyed individuals tend to contract this disease more readily than do people with darker pigment. Finally there appears to be evidence to suggest that both exposure to sunlight without eye protection and smoking both play a role in the development of this disease.

Please send any comments to trish-blair@redwoods.edu

TIPS

St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Center Surgical Center in Florida has outlined some tips to try to reduce the likelihood of developing AMD. These include:

• Monitor your vision with an Amsler grid. There is an example of this grid at the link http://www.ahaf.org/macular/about/mahealth.htm and click on the home test.

 

• Take a multi-vitamin with zinc.

Antioxidants and lutein are essential nutrients needed for retinal health.

 

• Eat dark leafy green veggies.

Spinach, kale and turnip greens are especially good.

 

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Ultra-violet rays can harm pigment cells of the retina.

 

• Quit Smoking!

Smoking reduces the efficiency of the circulatory system.

 

• Exercise Regularly!

Cardiovascular exercise improves the circulatory system, and enhances blood flow to the retina.

 

• Use halogen lights.

These provide less glare and make reading easier for sufferers of AMD.

 

As there is no treatment for AMD, prevention is the key.

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There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one's self.

--Benjamin Franklin