AMD is a
progressive and chronic disease that has the potential to affect as many as 20 million
people in the UK, it has already become the leading cause of vision loss in the
developed world. People suffering with AMD experience diminished central
vision - vision generally used for seeing straight ahead and for performing
common daily tasks such as reading and driving. In some cases AMD progresses
slowly giving people the chance to notice the slight change in their vision, in
others, the disease progresses rapidly possibly leading to blindness.
Types of AMD
There are two
types of AMD - Wet and Dry. Wet AMD is the advanced stage of the disease and
accounts for only 10% of AMD cases. The most common cases seen in the UK are
those of Dry AMD, the early stage of the disease which occurs when the light
sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central
vision.
Risk factors of AMD
Risk factors
of AMD consist of age, genetics, dietary and other environmental factors. The
most obvious yet greatest risk factor is age: a person’s risk of developing AMD
typically begins to rise after the age of 50. However people wearing glasses
and showing signs of visual impairment may also be at a higher risk. Cigarette
smokers also pose a significant risk for AMD.
Symptoms of Dry AMD
The most
evident symptom of dry AMD is blurred vision. Another common sign that may
appear less obvious is the presence of drusens - yellow deposits under the
retina that may be debris from deteriorating tissue, yet no vision loss or
problem is detected.
Impact of Dry AMD
AMD sufferers
do not suffer alone. Patients, families and society as a whole are
impacted by the devastating effects AMD can cause. The quality of life
and the ability to perform simple daily activities can become difficult,
resulting into stress and possibly the cause of social isolation.
Dry AMD Treatment
Unfortunately
while there is no proven medical treatment to cure Dry AMD per se, in such
circumstances prevention is vital and can hinder any further progress of Dry
AMD. According to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) -a specific
high-dose formulation of antioxidant and zinc notably reduces the risk of
advanced AMD and associated vision loss in some patients. New research
conducted indicates nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin
play a significant role in preventing AMD progression.
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