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Shippee Family Eye Care |
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness in the United States for persons over the age of 65. AMD is present in approximately 10 percent of the population over the age of 52 and in up to 33 percent of individuals older than 75. The earliest clinical manifestation of AMD are drusen and macular pigmentary atrophy which can only been seen under careful retinal examination. People at greatest risk have a family history of macular degeneration, are smokers, or have a history of excessive sun exposure. The visual symptoms associated with AMD depend on its severity and type. In general, the "dry" form is less severe, producing a slow painless loss or distortion to the central vision. The more advanced and debilitating form, "wet" AMD, often produces severe central visual loss. Visual loss produced by wet AMD is often rapidly progressive. The management of patients with dry AMD begins with biannual eye examination, with dilated retinal examination. The elimination of potentially harmful ultraviolet light using UV coatings on spectacles and sunglasses may also reduce the risk of photochemical /oxidative damage to the retina for all patients. Research has indicated that oral antioxidants like vitamins C & E, copper, zinc and beta-carotene or lutein may play a role in reducing the progression of retinal damage. There are current products specifically designed for this purpose, such as VitamEyes, Ocuvite and Preservision, are useful as a tool for slowing the progression of AMD. Dr. Shippee will help you make the best decision regarding possible vitamin supplementation. |
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