eye health, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Studies have shown that the early detection and treatment of eye disease, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease. According to the National Eye Institute, at least half of all cases of blindness can be prevented. Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism are common eye problems. When we get older many of us face more serious eye problems. Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the world, affects nearly 20.5 million Americans; 2.2 million have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and another 2 million are unaware they have it; and more than 1.6 million Americans over 60 have advanced macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness and visual impairment in Americans over 60.

Cataracts are the leading cause of decreased vision in adults older than 65 and is the most common surgical procedure for elderly Americans. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present. Common symptoms of cataract include a painless blurring of vision; glare, or light sensitivity; double vision in one eye; and fading or yellowing of colors. There are numerous causes of cataract such as free radicals natural, by-products of metabolism are highly reactive chemicals that cause oxidation which in turn causes aging. Physical injury to the vertebrae or neck, or any stress which reduces eye movement and increases muscle tension. Toxins, pharmaceutical drugs, and smoking. Diabetes, high levels of sugar in the blood contribute to cataract formation.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows us to see fine detail. The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina instantly converts light, or an image, into electrical impulses. The retina then sends these impulses, or nerve signals, to the brain. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes.

AMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. Even though only 10 percent of all people with AMD have the wet type, it accounts for 90 percent of all blindness from the disease. As dry AMD worsens, new blood vessels may begin to grow and cause “wet” AMD. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile, and they often leak blood and fluid under the macula, which further deteriorates the macula, causing rapid and severe vision loss.