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Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease associated with the aging process. The disease gradually destroys sharp central vision and is one of the leading causes of legal blindness and vision impairment in older Americans.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for wet macular degeneration is a treatment option by a Board Certified-Fellowship Trained Retinal and Vitreous Disease specialist at Andersen Eye Associates.
The progression of AMD can be slow or rapid, but the loss of central vision generally occurs over a period of a few days. If you experience any of the symptoms below, contact your eye-care provider immediately:
- Straight lines appear
- Difficulty seeing at a distance
- A decreased ability to distinguish color
- Dark or empty spots block the center of your vision
Although the exact cause of AMD is unknown, several studies have shown that individuals with the following factors may be at risk:
- Older than 50 years of age
- History of hypertension
- Smokers
- Family history of age-related Macular Degeneration
The results of an age-related eye disease study (AREDS) conducted by the National Eye Institute to determine the effects of vitamins and minerals on the progression of Macular Degeneration are listed below. Patients with AMD or vision loss due to AMD in one eye and without contraindications such as smoking should consider taking the following vitamin supplements:
- Vitamin E...........................................400 I.U.
- Vitamin C...........................................500 mg.
- Beta Carotene....................................00.15 mg.
- Zinc Oxide...........................................80 mg.
- Copper ..................................................2 mg. such as cupric oxide
Early detection and treatment is the best defense against vision loss. See your Andersen eye care professional for a complete eye exam at lease every two years.
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