Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over 65. It is caused when a part of the retina in the eye, on the inside back wall of your eyeball, begins to thin and age. Most people with macular degeneration have the dry form, and it’s age related.
Macular degeneration is progressive, and happens gradually. There are no treatments for dry macular degeneration, but there’s some evidence that beta carotene and vitamins D and E may help prevent or slow down the disease. Sunglasses with UV protection are also an important step in prevention. Learning about the disease and possible prevention ideas is important if you have parents or siblings diganosed with macular degeneration.
There does seem to be some genetic link. Smoking seems to create a higher risk, as well as high blood pressure, lighter eye color, and being overweight. White women are at higher risk for macular degeneration as well.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include spots and fading in your central vision, sometimes with a fuzzy or distorted area.
The webiste All About Vision has a good article on macular degeneration, and there are other sources on line. Regular eye exams will help you stay aware of your eye health and important changes in your vision.