Macular Degeneration

First Alert
The macula is a group of light-sensitive cells and is part of the retina; macular degeneration is a loss of central vision (but not peripheral), which begins slowly with difficulty reading or recognizing pictures and shapes. This age-related disease can progress quickly in one or both eyes. Early detection through eye examinations is essential; damage is irreversible.

Dry or Wet Macular Degeneration
Dry macular degeneration occurs when cells lose pigment and deteriorate due to aging. Signs of dry macula degeneration (the most common form of macular degeneration) include difficulty adapting to dim lighting and a need for increased light to read or do close work. Bright colors lose intensity, blurriness and blind spots appear, and vision is hazy. Wet macular degeneration is a leaking of fluid from abnormal blood vessels underneath the macula; it is a more aggressive loss of sight beginning with wavy lines, spots in the field of vision, and eventually, severely distorted vision and hallucinations.

Promoting Good Retinal Health
The risk of macular degeneration can be reduced through antioxidants and nutrients found in fruits, vegetables (especially spinach and corn), egg yolks, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, dietary supplements of zinc and copper, and a well-balanced, low-fat diet can reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Optimizing Vision
Once the effects of ARMD compromise vision, the right glasses can compensate for some of the loss. It is always important to protect eyes from ultraviolet light by wearing sunglasses. Reading sunglasses enlarge print and protect eyes from damaging rays. Bifocal reading glasses can make both reading and watching TV easier for those suffering from macular degeneration. Proper reading light is important, and reading and magnifying glasses in powers ranging from +1.00 through +3.50 can prevent unnecessary eyestrain.

Reading glasses are both functional and stylish, available in almost a dozen colors, as well as full, half, and rimless frame styles. Choices of rectangular, round, octagon and oval frame shapes, and plastic, wire, or metal frames make reading glasses attractive accessories.

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