Eye Disease - Macular Degeneration
The macula is the central area of the retina, the paper thin tissues in the back of the eye where light sensing cells send visual signals to the brain. The macula allows you to focus clearer on fine details so you can appreciate sharper and clearer images.
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes the deterioration of the macula. When the macula is damaged, you will develop blind spots that will blurr or distort your vision. Straight lines such as the edge of a window or a doorway may appear bent or wavy. This will make daily activities that require central vision such as reading, driving, and recognizing colors very difficult or even impossible.
Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) usually affects individuals that are over 50 years of age. Factors such as age, nutrition, sunlight exposure, smoking, and genetics all contribute to the risk of developing this devastating eye disease.
Macular degeneration that is not age related is commonly an inherited condition. For people who have a relative with macular degeneration, the life time risk of developing this eye condition are much higher than those that don’t have a relative with this eye disease.
Dry Macular Degeneration
There are two forms of age related macular degeneration: dry (nonexudative) and wet (exudative) macular degeneration.
Dry AMD is more common and is characterized by the build up of fatty tissue (drusen) within the layers of the retina. Dry AMD result in gradual cetral vision loss.
Wet Macular Degeneration
Often, wet macular degeneration begins as the dry form. Wet AMD are caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina. Abnormal blood vessels occurs when new vessels are formed to improve the the blood supply to oxygen-deprived retinal tissue. These new vessels very delicate and break easily. The leakage of blood and other fluid damage the surrounding tissue. If left without treatment, wet AMD will destroy the macula.
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Currently, there is no proven medical therapy to treat dry macular degeneration. For wet macular degeneration, there are several types of treatments available: medical, laser photocoagulation (effective for sealing leaking or bleeding vessels) and photodynamic therapy (effective in stopping abnormal blood vessel growth).
Eye Safety Tips & Eye Health Supplement
Below are some eye safety tips and dietary ingredients that support eye health. Although the tips and dietary ingredients listed below will not cure, mitigate, treat or prevent macular degeneration, they do help to support general eye health.
Eye Safety Tips
Protect your eyes from the sun: To protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun, your eyewear should provided 99-100% UVA and UVB protection.
Protect your eyes with proper safety glasses: Your regular eyeglasses may break on impact so they don’t provide enough protection against certain tasks. Make sure to wear chemical safety goggles when handling hazardous detergents, solvents, car batteries, or anything that may cause flying particles. Also, make sure to have proper eye protection when participating in sports and recreational activities.
Regular visit to your eye doctor: Whether your eyes are having noticeable problem or not, you should have regular eye exam (at least every 2 years). If your eyes are having problems, early detection can help to minimize the damage.
Reduce stress on your eyes: Proper lighting can help prevent eye injuries. Also, when using a computer, proper lighting will also help to reduce eye fatigue.
Protect your children: Young children are curious. Keep sharp items and things that can cause eye damage such as kitchen utensils, desk supplies, and cosmetic out of their reach. Avoid hazardous toys such as flying or projectile toys and toys with sharp points and edges. Damage sustained from toys such as paintball guns, darts, bows and arrows, firecrackers (just to name a few) can result in permanent eye damage or loss of an eye.
Eye Health Nutrition
Bilberry – Bilberry is a blue-black or purple berry that promotes healthy circulation throughout your body. It also helps to enhance night vision and support the eye’s ability to adapt to darkness. Bilberry is a great antioxidant for eye health.
Lutein – Lutein is an antioxidant that may help to reduce free radical damage in various parts of your body and provides dietary support for eye health. Lutein are commonly found in food such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, & broccoli), various flowers, corns and egg yolks. Other sources of Lutein include vitamins and fortified foods.
Vitamin A, C and E – These vitamins help to support eye health. They are found in many different sources of vegetables and fruits including kale, green beans, green peas, brussel sprouts, spinach, tomatoes, kiwis, oranges, grapefruits, and dried apricots. Seeds, nuts, eggs, and dairy products are also a great source of antioxidant vitamins.
|
