Macular Degeneration: Three Stories and a Guide for Prevention

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a disease which results in vision loss in the center of the visual field. It is a leading cause of blindness, with over 300,000 new cases each year.

AMD has two forms, “wet” and “dry.” Both forms affect the retina, which is the inner layer of the eye containing the nerves that transmit sight to the brain, and the choroid, which supplies blood to the retina. In the dry form of AMD, cellular debris accumulates between the retina and the choroid, and the retina can become detached. In the wet form, blood vessels grow up from the choroid behind the retina, and the retina can also become detached.

Macular Degeneration mostly strikes older adults, and has a strong genetic component. In my family, there are three cases of AMD. I would like to share them because they show both the need for testing and prevention, and the hope that comes with detection and treatment.

The first case was my uncle, who was deaf and blind when he died. The blindness was a result of AMD, and it is painful to think of this gregarious man being unable to hear or see others. The second was in my father, who was diagnosed eight years ago. He sees a knowledgeable specialist frequently, and is under treatment. Thanks to this, even though he is 91 and has AMD in both eyes, he can still see. Finally, my aunt was told that she might have AMD and should get tested, but she did not follow up. Family members worked together to convince her that it was important to get tested, and she has since started treatment.

Anyone can develop Macular Degeneration, but there are some risk factors. These include age, cigarette smoking, a family history of AMD, high exposure to sunlight, and high blood pressure and/or cardiovascular disease.

Even people without risk factors can and should insist on being tested when they visit the eye doctor for a glaucoma test. After my father was diagnosed, I realized that even though I have eye checkups every year, no doctor ever suggested that I get tested for Macular Degeneration. You may also have to request this simple test.

There are ways to prevent and manage AMD. A doctor told me once that Macular Degeneration and heart problems have some of the same causes, and that if you take care of your heart, you will also take care of your eyes. This means that exercise and a heart-healthy diet help fight AMD. More doctors have also been recommending supplements with Lutein. Quitting smoking and remembering to wear sunglasses are other simple ways to minimize risk.