Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the leading cause of legal blindness in Australia. Responsible for 50% of all cases of blindness, along with regular eye examinations, it is important to make sure you are managing and looking after your eye health.
It is possible to reduce the risk of losing sight from AMD by adopting a healthy lifestyle and regularly having your eyes tested and macula checked by our eye health professionals. Usually related to aging Macular degeneration is the name given to a group of chronic, degenerative retinal eye diseases that cause progressive loss of central vision, leaving the peripheral or side vision intact. It affects the ability to read, drive, recognise faces and perform activities that require detailed vision.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Usually related to aging, Macular degeneration is the name given to a group of chronic, degenerative retinal eye diseases that cause progressive loss of central vision, leaving the peripheral or side vision intact. It affects the ability to read, drive, recognise faces and perform activities that require detailed vision.
What are the stages of Macular Degeneration?
– Early and Intermediate Stage In the early stage of AMD, you may have no vision issues, but our team might advise you to make some lifestyle changes to keep the disorder from progressing. In the intermediate stage, you may begin to experience difficulty with central vision, caused by the progressive build-up of waste material (drusen) under the retina. – Late Stage (divided into 2 stages of degeneration) Dry (atrophic): caused by the gradual atrophy (loss) of retinal cells. It may lead to a gradual loss of central vision. Wet (neovascular): caused by the formation of fragile blood vessels which leak fluid and blood within and under the retina. It often leads to a rapid loss of central vision. Loss of vision in one eye may go unnoticed if vision in the fellow eye is good.
Changes to Vision
– Decrease to Visual Activity A common symptom with macular degeneration is a gradual decrease in visual acuity, vision can appear hazy or grey in the centre. People with macular degeneration can notice they are not reading as well.
– Many people with AMD report both good and bad days when it comes to vision quality
– Distortion in vision This can include visual waviness
– Fluctuating vision
– Light sensitivity
– Decrease in colour vision and depth perception
With many of us now working from home, we have listed a few ways in which you can care for your eyes and macular health. Now is the perfect time to start adapting routines to ensure the long term health of your eyes.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Wear sunglasses
- Include plenty of fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables (such as spinach and collard greens) in your diet. Your doctor or optometrist may also want you to take a vitamin and mineral supplement.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can make this condition worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- Try these tips to make your life at home easier and safer:
- Point lighting at what you want to see and away from your eyes. Add lamps in dark places.
- Prevent falls by making sure there is plenty of light in entries and stairs. You may also want to mark these areas with paint or tape so you can easily see them.
- Use paint or tape to mark electrical outlets, thermostats, and other items you need to find.
- Use bold black letters to make labels, signs, and other markings. Label your medicines clearly.
- Use a recommended magnifier by your optometrist to help you read. Or choose large-print books. If you still need help, ask your doctor about other vision aids.
Make sure you are taking pro-active steps to help look after your Macular this May! If you have any questions or queries our team are here to help Monday – Friday 10:00am- 3:00pm on 9918 0616 or at advice@beckenhamoptometrist.com.au
To find out more head over to: Macular Disease Foundation Australia: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/content/macular-disease
Or follow the link to read our other blogs: https://www.beckenhamoptometrist.com.au/could-eating-eggs-reduce-the-risk-of-amd/
