In 2019, more than 10% of Americans over the age of forty were living with some form of macular degeneration. This condition is primarily an age-related retinal problem that can lead to the loss of central vision. Loss of this sort makes it difficult to see things right in front of you, but it doesn't usually affect peripheral vision or cause complete loss of sight.

Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are treatment options that can help improve your quality of life and prevent further deterioration. But what causes macular degeneration? How can you tell if you are developing it? And what treatment options are available?

Understanding macular degeneration

Macular degeneration usually affects people who are over the age of 50. It targets your macula, the central part of the retina. Your retina is in the back of your eye and controls central vision, which is why macular degeneration doesn't usually cause blindness but instead affects your central vision.

Macular degeneration is a condition that can affect one or both eyes with varied levels of severity.

The most common symptoms of macular degeneration include:

• Fuzzy or blurry vision
• Seeing straight lines as curvy
• Having trouble recognizing faces
• Having a dark and empty area appear at the center of your vision
• Having trouble seeing in dim lighting
• Seeing faded-looking colors

With macular degeneration, your peripheral vision will still be fine.

Your risks of developing this condition increase as you get older, but other factors can make it more likely you will struggle with it. For instance, macular degeneration is more common among Caucasians, and smoking can increase your chances of developing the condition. 

Other factors that can affect your risks include having diabetes, having had eye infections, or having sustained head injuries. Lacking certain vitamins in your diet can also increase your chances of developing the condition.

Types of macular degeneration

There are two main types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The most common version of the disease is dry macular degeneration. Although its exact cause is still not clear, genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Dry macular degeneration happens when small yellow deposits called drusen develop under your macula. With this version of the condition, vision loss occurs gradually.

Wet macular degeneration develops when abnormal blood vessels grow under your macula and retina. These blood vessels leak fluid and blood, leading to a bulge forming in your macula. This is the more severe type of macular degeneration, and it can quickly lead to total vision loss.

Why early detection is crucial

Detecting signs of macular degeneration early in its onset can help slow down the progression of the condition. An early diagnosis may even help you retain more of your vision.

If the onset of the condition is detected at an early stage, you can increase the intake of certain vitamins or begin treatment options to support the remaining central vision. You can also begin monitoring the progression of the disease with regular testing.

Living with macular degeneration

There is no cure for macular degeneration, but there are things you can do to help your vision.

One of the best things you can do is make dietary additions. The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies discovered that a combination of minerals and vitamins could help slow down the disease’s progression. Some of the crucial supplements include:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Copper
• Zinc
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin

This combination of vitamins and minerals is particularly helpful for people who have dry macular degeneration. Of all of these, zinc can be one of the most crucial additions to your diet.

There are drugs that can treat wet macular degeneration. These include injections that block the production of a protein that produces new blood vessels. You can also get laser therapy — called photodynamic therapy — for wet macular degeneration, which can help prevent the growth of new blood vessels.

Exercising can help as well. Working out can lower your blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory effects. Something as simple as going for a walk can help reduce the harmful overgrowth of blood vessels that cause wet macular degeneration.

Get help for macular degeneration

If you have central vision problems and suspect macular degeneration may be the cause, the best thing you can do is ask for help. With the right guidance, you'll have a better chance of slowing down the disease.

Resource Links

• “Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• “Age-Related Macular Degeneration” via National Eye Institute
• “Age-Related Macular Degeneration” via John Hopkins Medicine
• “Age-Related Eye Disease Studies” via National Eye Institute