Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It results from a destruction of light-sensitive cells in the macula, the most cell-rich section of the retina, which lines the back of the eye. Macular Degeneration affects the central part of vision and therefore makes reading and close work difficult. Color vision and distance is also affected.
There are two types of Macular Degeneration: Wet and Dry. The Wet form, which involves about 10% of cases, responds to laser treatments if caught in the early stages. The more common dry form is considered untreatable, although some recent research indicates that certain antioxidant vitamins and minerals may help prevent or slow its progression.
What causes Macular Degeneration is not known but it may be related to aging, high blood pressure, smoking and exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation and blue light. (These are both found in sunlight.)
To help prevent Macular Degeneration, The American Optometric Association suggests that people:
The BEST defense against Macular Degeneration or any other loss of sight is annual eye health evaluations, including a check of the back of the eyes through dilated pupils. The National Society to Prevent Blindness estimates that 50% of all blindness could be prevented if everyone would get an annual eye health exam.