- Visual distortions, such as straight lines seeming bent
- Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
- The need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work
- Increased difficulty adapting to low light levels, such as when entering a dimly lit restaurant
- Increased blurriness of printed words
When to see a doctor: These changes may be the first indication of macular degeneration, particularly if you're older than age 60.
- You notice changes in your central vision
- Your ability to see colors and fine detail becomes impaired
No one knows the exact cause of wet macular degeneration, but it develops in people who have had dry macular degeneration. Of all people with age-related macular degeneration, about 20% have the wet form.
Factors that may increase your risk of macular degeneration include:
- Age - This disease is most common in people over 55.
- Family history and genetics.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Manage your other medical conditions like cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure,
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
- Choose a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins that reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration.
- Include fish in your diet for Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Nuts, such as walnuts, also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Vision loss leads to a higher risk of depression and social isolation. With profound loss of vision, people may see visual hallucinations (Charles Bonnet syndrome).
eye injections for reducing the progression of disease.
- Photodynamic therapy. This procedure is very occasionally used to treat abnormal blood vessels at the center of your macula.
- Photocoagulation uses a high-energy laser beam to seal abnormal blood vessels under the macula.
- Low vision rehabilitation.
For people with intermediate or advanced disease, taking a high-dose formulation of antioxidant vitamins and minerals may help reduce the risk of vision loss. Research from the AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2) shows benefit in a formulation that includes:
- 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
- 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E
- 10 mg of lutein
- 2 mg of zeaxanthin
- 80 mg of zinc (as zinc oxide)
- 2 mg of copper (as cupric oxide)
