Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that is increasingly concerning people over 50. In this post, you will find key information about the disease and recommendations for its prevention.
WHAT IS AMD?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries in people over 55 years of age.
- Age-related macular degeneration, as its name suggests, is a progressive degeneration of the central region of the retina called the macula that appears in older people.
- The macula is responsible for central vision, which is so necessary for everyday activities such as reading, driving, identifying people, etc.
WHAT TYPES OF AMD EXIST?
- Dry AMD: This is the most common type, affecting approximately 80-90% of people with AMD; vision loss is very slow.
- Wet AMD: It is the least frequent (10-20%) but it is the most serious because the loss of vision is very rapid.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
- AGE. It is the most important factor, although the highest prevalence of AMD occurs in people over 70 years of age, cases can also be seen from 55 years of age.
- GENETICS. There may be genetic factors that predispose someone to the disease.
- LIGHT. Exposure to light can be a factor to consider.
- IRIS COLOR. Lighter eyes are at greater risk than darker eyes.
- NUTRIENTS. A deficiency of natural nutrients present in the retina is another important factor.
- TOBACCO.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AMD?*
- If you notice a progressive decrease in vision (over days or weeks)
- If you perceive a distorted vision of images (metamorphopsia)
- If dark spots (scotomas) appear in your field of vision
*All these symptoms should be evaluated and assessed by an ophthalmologist.
IS THERE A TREATMENT?
- Currently there is no cure for dry AMD, therefore prevention in its initial stages is very important.
- For wet or exudative AMD, several drugs known as anti-VEGF (anti-angiogenic) agents have emerged in recent years, administered via intravitreal injections. While they do not eliminate AMD, they do prevent the disease from progressing.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF AMD
It is recommended to quit smoking, avoid sun exposure (and if that is not possible, use sunglasses with a high protection filter) and visit your ophthalmologist from the age of 55, especially if you have a family history of AMD.
DIET deserves a separate chapter due to its importance in the prevention of AMD.
Scientific studies have shown how daily intake of the following nutrients prevents the risk of developing AMD:
- Vitamins: C and D
- Minerals: zinc and copper
- Xanthophylls: lutein and zeaxanthin
- Omega-3 fatty acids: DHA and EPA
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are part of our retina and we need to ingest them daily through our regular diet and/or through specific food supplements.
The recommended daily amounts in the studies refer to the daily intake of: 10 mg of lutein, 2 mg of zeaxanthin, 350 mg of DHA, and 650 mg of EPA.
CHART OF FOODS WITH ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
