Macular Degeneration

1/. What is the Macular Degeneration? 

Macular degeneration is an ophthalmological problem for the elderly over 50 years old, so it is usually called Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). An initially shadowed and blurred spot in the center of  vision can become larger, darker and finally, turns blind. The damage of macula, the center of retina, which sends visual information to the the brain is believed to cause AMD. Although that disease makes patients have troubles in some daily activities such as reading, watching or driving,  they still remain the peripheral vision to manage.

There are two kinds of this disease: dry and wet form. The dry form, which occupies 85-90% percent of cases, only causes the fuzzy spot in central vision gradually in many years. In some cases, the dry form turns into the wet ones progressing rapidly and resulting in totally loss of central vision.  

2/. Why do I suffer from Macular Degeneration? 

The exact causes of AMD are still mysterious. But some studies have proved that smoking, the bluelight and ultravilolet rays from sunlight, the deficiency of some nutrients and heredity can be the crucial components. 

3/. How can I treat this disease?

At the present, there is no effective cure for the dry form of AMD. However, in 2001, an American ophthalmological institute showed that the supplement of some vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, zinc, copper and cupric oxide) could inhibit the dry form from advancing.  A potential method called Rheopheresis, in which the blood is filtered to remove  some certain substances contributing to the AMD progession, is being experimented.

The wet form of AMD can be cured in some common ways such as Laser Photocoagulation, Photodynamic Therapy or Angiogenesis Inhibitors (Lucentis® or Macugen®). Cortical/Retina Implants, Implantable Miniature Telescope, Macular Translocation and Radiation Therapy are some promising treatments that are being tested. A new and cheaper drug for injection named Avastin^®      is also in clinical trials.      

4/. How can I live with it? 

There are many ways to make life become less challenged for AMD patients. You can learn how to improve other sense such as  hearing, touching or smeeling to replace and assist the limited vision. You also should protect the eyes from sunlight but take more light directly on the reading material. If everything is still blurred, don’t worried, hand- held, pocket, electronic, cellphone, computer screen or  TV magnifiers can aid you. Talking clock, computer or calculator are also helpful. Now, there are lots of low vision games such as Low Vision Bingo, Jumbo Sequence Game, Giant Cribbage Board, Large Backgammon… making your life more comfortable.  

5/. Can I prevent this disease? 

Absolutely yes. Some low vision specialists suggest that eating varied nutrious foods including  leafy green vegetables, fruit, fish containing vitamins D, E and C, beta carotene and omega-3 fatty acids could help in the prevention of AMD. Taking exercises regularly, especially  hiking or biking, may slow the progreesion of AMD. Avoiding smoking or overexposuring your eyes to the sunlight also protect you from AMD.  

6/. Are there any supported assistance? 

If you are too confused to handle your life with AMD, low vision therapists will assist you. They can design a suitable program for each individual to instruct and help you use low vision devices, remaining sight or other senses in daily life.