May 11
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Macular Degeneration (MD) is a disease associated with ageing that gradually deteriorates central vision. Central vision occurs at the macula on the retina, at the back of the eye. Because it is the central part of vision, it is needed for seeing objects distinctly and for common everyday tasks such as reading and driving.
In some cases, MD advances so slowly that people fail to notice the gradual impairment of their vision. In others, the disease progresses quicker and may lead to a permanent loss of central vision.
While there is presently no cure for Macular Degeneration , there are steps that you can take to prevent or slow the progress of the disease. Obtaining regular eye exams will provide you the best opportunity for early detecton.
MD is present in 15% of people between the ages of 70-75. it is now the leading cause of blindness and severe vission loss in Australia
Macular Degeneration Symptoms
* The first signs of MD involve distortion of vision where straight lines seem wavy or bent, rather than loss of sight.
* Difficulty reading .
* Difficulty distinguishing faces.
* Need for increased illumination.
* Increased glare sensitivity .
* Decreased night vision.
* Reduced colour sensitivity.
* In many cases , MD progresses so slowly that people don’t notice changes until their vision has already been significantly compromised.
Risks for developing MD:
* Age is the greatest risk factor in developing MD . The risk trebles with each decade over 40 years.
* Smokers have a 3 times greater risk of developing MD. They also develop the disease around 10 years earlier than non-smokers.
* Women are slightly more at risk than men .
* Family history is a risk factor. Genes have been identified and linked with MD . There is a 50% probability of developing MD if there is a family history of the disease.
Defense against MD :
* Early detection of MD is crucial as some forms of the disease might be arrested with early treatment.
* Regular eye examinations are the key to early detection before vision loss occurs.
* Eat a healthy diet. (See more details below).
* Consider taking a zinc and anti-oxidant supplement.
* Eye protection against UV damage. This is especially crucial before MD develops.
* Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly (minimum of a 30 minute walk, three times a week).
* Don’t smoke.
Diet and MD
Good eye health stems from a good diet and there is a recommended eating program that can lower the risk of Macular Degeneration. Scientific studies have shown that MD responds to anti-oxidants and other nutrients. This is not an unpleasant diet, but simply emphasizes the benefits of vegetables, fruit and fish.
Anti-oxidants benefit our health by neutralisng “free radicals” in the body. The most important anti-oxidants are:
* Lutein – Found in especially high levels in leafy dark green vegetables (eg spinach)
* Vitamin C – Found in citrus fruits, papaya and rockmelon. Or vegetables like capsicum, peas and broccoli.
* Vitamin E – Found in nuts (almonds, pine nuts, brazil nuts), whole grains, leafy green vegetables, broccoli and carrots.
* Zinc – Found in meat, seafood (especially oysters), nuts (cashews, pine nuts, brazil nuts, pecans, almonds) and whole grains.
Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. Include fish at least two times a week and include dark green leafy vegetables. Eat fresh fruit every day, a handful of nuts each week and avoid fatty foods.