Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) or Macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease related with aging which gradually affects central vision. However, it will not completely affect all your vision. Your vision will not go black but AMD can make you difficult to read, drive or perform daily routines which require sharp, fine central vision.

AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in people aged 60 and older. Thus, AMD is a growing problem particularly for elderly people. AMD, a source of significant visual disability, occurs with degeneration of the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye and is connected to the brain by the optic

The wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina starts to grow underneath the macular. This condition is called choroidal neovascularization (CNV). These blood vessels tend to be very fragile and always leak blood and fluid into the retina, and subsequently causing permanent damage to light-sensitive retinal cells, which die off and create blind spots in central vision. Thus, people with wet AMD can loss their vision rapidly. Also, wet AMD causes distortion of vision that makes straight lines look wavy, as well as blind spots and loss of central

Several epidemiologic studies and clinical trials recommend that diet high in antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins C and E can protect the retina against photochemical damage and thus helping to lower the risk for AMD. Meanwhile, consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruits which is rich in “good fats”, carotenoids such as lutein (very important antioxidant in the macura) and zeaxanthin has a protective effect against advanced macular degeneration. Zinc is also associated with a decreased occurrence of early or late age-related macular degeneration. In addition to that, the nutrients mentioned may also slow down the development of dry macular degeneration. The report released in 2001 from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) conducted by the National Eye Institute also emphasizes the benefits of high levels of antioxidants and zinc for halting or slowing progression of macular