Preventing & Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration | AMD & Low Vision Awareness Month

As we discussed in our previous blog post, ‘What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) & What Causes It?’, AMD damages the portion of the retina called the macula, which is responsible for our central vision.

Central vision allows us to see straight ahead. It is essential for activities such as reading, writing, driving, sewing, and other such activities.
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AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. Although we understand quite a lot about AMD today, it’s still not known exactly why it develops in some people. Fortunately, researchers have identified certain risk factors for developing the eye disease, a number of which can be controlled.
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Decreasing Risk of Developing AMD

While it may not be possible to completely prevent AMD from developing, there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of getting it, including:

1. Avoid Smoking: Smoking cigarettes and exposure to secondhand smoke are associated with an increased risk of eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. The exact reason smoking is thought to be harmful to the eyes is not fully understood. One theory is that smoking may speed deterioration of the eye by decreasing the number of protective nutrients delivered. If you do smoke, consider quitting to protect your health, including your eye health. Smoking cessations programs, medications, and nicotine replacement patches are options that may be effective.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), obesity is considered one of the risk factors for developing AMD. Research indicates that obesity may increase your risk of early macular degeneration, which can progress to advanced disease. If you are carrying excess weight, consider talking to your doctor about a safe weight loss program.
3. Eat Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Low in Saturated Fats: According to the AAO, some studies have indicated eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may decrease a person’s risk of developing AMD. Also, a diet high in saturated fat may increase your risk of the disease. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, tuna, anchovies, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, egg yolks, and more. You can speak with your primary care doctor about developing a high omega-3 diet that’s right for you.  
4. Protect Your Eyes from Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Excess exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun may increase risk of developing AMD. Melanin in our hair and skin provides some protection against the rays from the sun, but melanin is lost as we age. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF), about 50 percent of our protection is lost by the age of 65. To decrease the damage from the sun, wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection when you spend time outside during the day. Keep in mind: You don’t only need eye protection from UV light on sunny days. UV rays can penetrate even on cloudy days. If it seems too dark for your regular sunglasses, consider getting a pair with lighter lenses or a pair with interchangeable lenses. Just make sure lighter lenses still have 100% UV ray protection.
5. Have Regular Eye Exams: Although having an eye exam or multiple exams will not prevent AMD, regular eye exams do increase the chances that the disease will be diagnosed early. The earlier AMD is diagnosed, the better your prognosis may be. Early diagnosis allows you to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, which may slow progression of the disease, as well as get the care and treatment you need as soon as possible.
6. Know Your Family History: Having a family history of age-related macular degeneration also appears to increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. Depending on your family history, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screenings. If you don’t know if you have a history of AMD or other eye diseases in your family, speak with your family members to find out.

 
While these six steps will not prevent you from developing AMD, they can help reduce your chances of developing it, increase your awareness of it, and improve your ability to get help from an ophthalmologist who specializes in AMD.
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Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Minimizing risk of AMD is so important, because there is currently no cure for it. The good news is though, certain treatments may slow progression of the disease and preserve vision. AMD treatment varies depending on the type and stage of AMD (see our previous post ‘What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) & What Causes It?’ for more information).
 
Treatment for age-related macular degeneration may include:
 
AREDS Vitamins for Dry AMD
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, studies have indicated that taking certain minerals and vitamins daily may decrease the progression of early and moderate dry AMD.
 
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) in 2001, followed by the AREDS 2 in 2006, have indicated that the following vitamins and minerals might be helpful:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin
• Zinc
• Copper

• Omega-3 fatty acids

 
If you have dry AMD, talk to your ophthalmologist who specializes in AMD before taking any supplements to determine if it is the right treatment for your situation. While the AREDS studies recommend particular doses of each of the vitamins and minerals listed above, it’s important to speak with your ophthalmologist about getting the right combination and formula for you. To learn more about AREDS, visit our Medical Treatment for Macular Degeneration webpage.
 
Therapeutic Injections for Wet AMD
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are a type of medication used to treat wet AMD and help prevent vision loss. These medications work by blocking the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina.
 
Anti-VEGF medications are administered through an injection in the eye. Before the injection, the eye is numbed, so the procedure is usually not painful.
 
To learn more about this treatment for Wet AMD, visit our Therapeutic Injections for Macular Degeneration webpage.
 
Laser Surgery for Wet AMD
Depending upon your condition, your ophthalmologist may recommend laser surgery, called laser photocoagulation, to treat your condition, if you have wet AMD that is small enough and sufficiently defined to be treated with a laser. In this case, a laser is used to decrease the number of abnormal blood vessels and slow the leaking of fluid or blood.
 
To learn more about photocoagulation for Wet AMD, visit our Laser Treatment for Macular Degeneration webpage.
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What to Do Next

​By taking the steps above, you may decrease your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. If you are concerned about your risk of AMD or other eye disease, speak with your eye doctor. Following your eye doctor’s recommendations for risk factor minimization and regular eye exams is vital to reducing your risk and diagnose the condition early, if it does develop.
 
If you have any questions about AMD, risks, prevention, and / or treatment or you would like to schedule an eye exam or appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.