Q: My mother is developing age-related macular degeneration. She is scared that she won’t be able to read or drive. What is it exactly and what can we do about it? Thanks! -- Stephen Y., Akron, Ohio
A: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. in folks age 60 and older. Around 11 million Americans contend with vision problems that range from blurring and blind spots in their central vision to severe vision loss, making reading, driving and recognizing faces impossible. This is caused by damage to the macula, a tiny oval area 1/4 of an inch wide in the center of the retina at the back of the eye. It contains photoreceptor cells called cones and rods that let you perceive fine detail and colors.
We are not sure of all the causes, but we know AMD is associated with smoking, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Also, if you have a parent or sibling with AMD, you have a 50% chance of developing it.
Early dry AMD has three stages with the last causing extensive blurring in the central area of vision. Wet AMD is more severe. In it, blood vessels form in a layer in or around the retina, destroying vision. About 10% to 15% of folks with dry AMD develop wet AMD.
Once AMD is diagnosed, it’s important to have regular eye exams and stick to an anti-inflammatory diet loaded with foods like spinach, kale and collard greens. Another smart move, especially for those with wet stage AMD, according to the National Eye Institute AREDs 2 study: Slow progression of dry AMD with a daily supplement formula. The supplements contain 500 milligrams of vitamin C; 400 IU of vitamin E; 25 milligrams of zinc; 2 milligrams of copper, 10 milligrams of lutein; 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin; and 1,000 milligrams of omega-3s. And check out the iHerb.com blogs: “A Quick Guide to Lutein and Zeaxanthin” and “Top 15 Supplements for Vision Support.” Also, for wet AMD, laser therapy or treatment with VFEG drugs can block the growth of new blood vessels.
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Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world’s leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively.
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
