What can I do to protect my vision?
There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but you
can take steps to lower your risk and protect yourself from loss of
vision. A diagnosis of AMD does not mean blindness.
What can I do to lower my risk?
- See an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) — Regular visits to an
ophthalmologist can help detect AMD and other eye diseases in the
early stages, when treatment is most effective. This exam should
take place through a dilated pupil at least once a year.
- Take a home eye test — Use a simple take-home screening tool
known as an Amsler grid. It can help patients detect visual
distortions that might occur as early signs of AMD. An Amsler grid
is a small checkerboard-like grid with a fixation dot in the center.
If a person notices any distortions in the lines or missing lines on
the grid, he or she should visit an eye doctor immediately.
- Eat vegetables and fruit — For patients at high risk of
developing AMD, certain vitamins and minerals found in vegetables
and fruit can decrease the risk of AMD progression and vision loss.
- Quit smoking — Any exposure to tobacco smoke increases the
risk of AMD and can cause it to progress faster.
- Control blood pressure — There is some data that suggest
that high blood pressure can contribute to the risk of AMD.
- Control cholesterol levels — Studies indicate that high
levels of blood cholesterol boost your risk for AMD. Talk to your
doctor about reducing cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and
if necessary, medicine.
How can I protect my vision if I have AMD?
A 10-year study sponsored by the National Eye Institute —
"Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)" — found that high-dose
antioxidant vitamins and zinc can significantly help people who already
have AMD. People with intermediate AMD lowered their risk of losing
vision by about 25 percent when treated with a high-dose combination of:
- 500 milligrams of vitamin C
- 400 international units of vitamin E
- 15 milligrams of beta carotene
- 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide
- 2 milligrams of copper as cupric oxide
This combination is now available over the counter as
pills. Ask your doctor or your pharmacist if you are a candidate for
taking these vitamins, as not all patients should be taking this
formulation.
What if I am losing vision now?
If you carry the diagnosis of AMD and have loss of vision, you
should see an eye doctor immediately. There are new treatments
that can maintain and even improve vision, so the sooner they are
started, the better.
What if I've already lost vision?
Normal use of your eyes will not cause further vision damage. Try to
enjoy your normal activities.
Low-vision aids are available to help you make the most
of your remaining vision. Low-vision aids are special lenses or
electronic systems that make images appear larger. If you need
low-vision aids, your eye care professional can often prescribe them for
you or refer you to a low-vision specialist. In addition, there are many
groups and agencies that offer information about counseling, training,
and other special services. Ask your eye doctor if you would benefit
from these services.