Age Related Macular Degeneration

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

     Age Related Macular Degeneration often times known as AMD is very common in people over the age of 65. I know that's pretty much the middle of the baby boomers retirement age right. Well, taking care of your eyesight is a very important matter as we age. AMD is one of the number one causes of loss of eyesight for those over the age of 65. This is not your typical thing where you just need glasses to read this is more serious damage to the retinal cells of the eyes. That can actually blind you in the central part of your vision that is so important for driving and reading. Hey which of us wants to depend on someone else for driving us around? Not me, for sure that would be giving up too much independence. What can you do. There are two types of AMD dry AMD which is the most common and it is caused by deteriorating tissue that builds up slowly over the years around the macula which is part of your retina. As this tissue builds up slowly you lose you vision. Then there is wet AMD that is actually caused by a growth of blood vessels under and around your retina which leak blood. This blood and other fluid damages the retinal tissues and kills the retinal cells slowly over time. There were two studies done the AREDS and AREDS 2 that is still ongoing by the National Eye Institute on the effects of high doses of vitamins on AMD and Cataracts. If you are at risk for these diseases you may consider taking these supplements but only with your doctors consent. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement as they may not go with some other med you are taking. The Supplement is put out by Bausch + Lomb and it's called Ocuvite Preservision. So if your doctor is on board you might want to give it a try and see if you get some relieve from AMD symptoms. I think we all have a lot of worst fears as we age and losing our sight or ability to drive is one of them.