AMD: What You Should Know To protect your vision against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it’s important to know the facts Here are some common questions about this all-too-common threat to your eyes: What is the macula? The macular is the central part of the retina of the eye. All your reading vision, or “fine vision” takes place in the macula. Every time you look directly at something, you are using the macula. What is Macular Degeneration? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of permanent vision loss in Americans over age 60. In people who have AMD, the central fine vision needed for “straight ahead” viewing, such as reading and driving, is damaged. While there is no cure, there now is a way to lessen the risk of vision loss from AMD. Click here to learn more. Two Types of Macular Degeneration: Dry macular degeneration – Dry macular degeneration is the most common form of AMD. Dry macular degeneration is characterized by small yellow deposits called "drusen" that occur under the macula. Drusen may cause the cells in the macula to deteriorate causing loss of central vision. Wet macular degeneration –Wet macular degeneration occurs less frequently than dry macular degeneration, however, wet macular degeneration is responsible for most macular degeneration related vision loss. Wet macular degeneration occurs when new blood vessels start to develop under the retina causing hemorrhage, swelling, and scarring. Such grown can damage the macular resulting in central vision loss. Macular Degeneration Causes In general scientists do not know what causes Macular degeneration but believe it is lnked to age, genetic, smoking, sunlight exposure, and nutrition. Macular Degeneration Symptoms and Signs In the first stages of AMD, typically the dry state, its possible no symptoms will be experienced. However, under drusen (see above) can be detected by a doctor during a dilated exam. An eye doctor usually notices the first indicator of this disease during a routine visit. However, as AMD becomes more severe patients may experience loss of central vision, difficulty reading, difficulty performing tasks that require the ability to see detail, or distorted vision (straight lines that may appear to be wavy). AMD Treatments In some cases of wet macular degeneration laser treatment is sometimes effective for stopping bleeding blood vessels. Currently there is no treatment for dry macular degeneration. However, taking AREDS formulas may help lower the risk of AMD. What is AREDS? The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a major ten-year study sponsored by the National Eye Institute, part of the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health. The study, completed in late 2001, found that people at high risk of developing advanced stages of AMD lowered their risk by about 25% when treated with a high-dose combination of antioxidants plus zinc. Who should take these vitamins? The study found that patients with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye but not the other were more likely to benefit. Your eye care doctor will tell you if you should be taking Viteyes®. More about AREDS Why Viteyes? Macular Health Links We care about your eye health. If your eye care physician has recommended that you take an AREDS formula for AMD, it is important that you continue to take your AREDS supplement long-term.