4 min

WHAT IS AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)?

What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye condition affecting the macula, the retina's central portion responsible for sharp, clear vision. This condition can cause progressive vision loss and blindness, especially in people over 50.

While there is no cure for AMD, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the condition's progression and preserve vision. Our article covers lifestyle changes and recommended treatment plans that can help to reduce the risk of developing AMD and slow its progression.

What's in Our Eye Vitamins

What is the macula? how does it help me see?

The macula is a small, circular area in the center of the retina at the back of the eye (measuring only a few millimetres across - see B in the diagram). It is responsible for providing central vision, which is the clearest and sharpest vision used for reading, driving, and recognising faces.

The macula comprises several layers of specialised cells, including photoreceptor cells called cones and rods that convert light into electrical signals. The macula also contains a high concentration of a macular pigment, made up of three carotenoids - Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-zeaxanthin (all obtained through the diet, not made in the body). The macular pigment acts as a filter, absorbing blue light and protecting the retina from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This protection is vital for the health of the photoreceptor cells in the macula, thereby maintaining central vision.

Eye Vitamins

“Symptoms that may develop as AMD progresses include blurred & distorted vision, straight lines appearing wavy, dark areas in the centre of your visual field and difficulty recognising faces.”

What are the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration?

The early stages of AMD may not have any noticeable symptoms. Still, as the condition progresses, the following symptoms may develop:

  • Blurred vision.
  • Distorted vision.
  • Straight lines appear wavy.
  • Dark or empty areas in the centre of your vision.
  • Difficulty recognising faces.
Benefits of Lutein & Zeaxanthin

What causes age-related macular degeneration?

The exact cause of AMD is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to the development of the condition. These include:

  1. Age: The risk of developing AMD increases the older you get.
  2. Genetics: A family history of AMD increases the risk of developing the condition.
  3. Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for AMD and can increase the risk of developing the condition by 2 to 3 times.
  4. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase the risk of developing AMD.
  5. Poor diet: A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables and high in fat and cholesterol can increase the risk of developing AMD.

Who has the highest risk of developing AMD?

People over 50, especially those with a family history of AMD, are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Other risk factors include:

“Unfortunately, there is no cure for AMD. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the condition's progression and preserve vision.”

How the AREDS2 formula can help AMD

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) is the largest global clinical trial of eye diseases - conducted to determine dietary supplements' effects on age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The AREDS2 study found that taking a daily dietary supplement containing Lutein, Zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc can reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD by 25%. The study also found that Lutein and Zeaxanthin may be more beneficial than beta-carotene in lowering the risk of AMD progression.

It is important to note that the AREDS2 formula is not a cure for AMD and does not replace other treatments for the condition. People with AMD should continue to receive regular eye exams and follow their doctor's recommended treatment plan.

Eye Vitamins

What lifestyle changes can prevent AMD?

There is no sure way to prevent Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - but making specific lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of developing the condition. These include:

  • A healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat and cholesterol can help to reduce the risk of developing AMD.
  • Quitting smoking: Quitting smoking can help to reduce the risk of developing AMD.
  • Maintaining healthy blood pressure: Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels can help to reduce the risk of developing AMD.
  • Wearing protective eyewear: Wearing protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, can help to reduce the risk of developing AMD.
  • Taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals in a supplement: Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and zinc, can help to slow the progression of AMD.
  • Regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help to detect AMD early, allowing for prompt treatment.

“The AREDS2 formulation has been widely adopted by specialists and doctors in delaying or slowing down the progression of AMD”

What treatments are available for AMD?

  • A combination of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotenes (including Lutein & Zeaxanthin), and zinc, can help to slow the progression of AMD. See noteon AREDS2 further below.

  • Anti-VEGF injections can help to reduce the growth of new blood vessels in the eye, which can cause vision loss in people with AMD.

  • Laser therapy can help to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye that can cause vision loss in people with AMD.

  • Photodynamic therapy uses a light-activated drug to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye.

  • How can I manage my vision if I have AMD?

    If you have AMD, there are several steps you can take to manage your vision:

    • Follow your treatment plan: Following your doctor's recommended treatment plan can help to slow the progression of AMD and preserve your vision.
    • Use adaptive devices: Adaptive devices, such as magnifying glasses and large-print books, can help to make reading and other activities more accessible.
    • Learn new skills: Learning new skills, such as audiobooks and voice-activated technology (e.g. Siri and Alexa), can help compensate for vision loss.
    • Seek support: Joining a support group for people with AMD can provide emotional support and help you connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

    “The AREDS2 study also found that Lutein and Zeaxanthin may be more beneficial than beta-carotene in lowering the risk of AMD progression”

    “AMD is the leading cause of adult blindness - particularly in those over 55 years of age. Difficulty seeing under low light conditions or at night is one of the first symptoms of AMD.”

    10 facts you should know about AMD

  • Smoking, age, genetic predisposition and chronic exposure to sunlight are considered the biggest risk factors to getting AMD.

  • Difficulty seeing under low light conditions or at night is one of the first symptoms of AMD. Studies have shown that loss of photoreceptor cells (in the macula), particularly 'rod cells' involved in night vision, occurs before structural markers of AMD are visible.

  • At present, scientific studies cannot definitively say that light intensities (of any colour) coming from digital devices pose a significant threat to our retinas. But, this hasn't been ruled out, so the general advice is moderate and manage excessive screen time.

  • It is a generally accepted that wearing sunglasses in bright sunlight reduces oxidative stress in the retina.

  • The AREDS studies were designed to investigate the effects of supplements on patients that had already developed AMD – read about it below. Several antioxidants can neutralise the oxygen by-product and thereby reduce oxidative stress in cells. Your body, for example, is programmed to produce glutathione (an antioxidant) in all cells to balance oxidative stress. Other important antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenes. However, these cannot be made by our bodies and need to be taken up through diet - the food we and any supplements we take.

  • The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2 were two large clinical studies with several thousand participants conducted over many years. The studies were designed to investigate the effects of supplements (which included antioxidants and zinc) on patients that had already developed AMD. The final results and follow-up studies identified benefits for some patients. The AREDS2 formulation has been widely adopted by specialists and doctors in delaying or slowing down the progression of AMD.

  • People who regularly consume a Mediterranean-like diet are at a lower risk compared to those who consume a traditional Western diet - which include high glycemic index foods, high-fat dairy products, fried foods, and processed meats. Exercising regularly and wearing sunglasses with good UV protection may also prevent or delay the progression of AMD.

  • Whenever cells consume oxygen, a reactive oxygen species are created as a by-product. The damage that’s caused by this by-product is called oxidative stress. The macula requires a lot of energy (due to the huge amount of visual information that is processed in this small piece of tissue). Consequently, the macula uses a lot of oxygen, which in turn causes oxidative stress.

  • Our cells have in-built mechanisms to defend against oxidative stress, but it is suggested that as we age our defence mechanisms weaken, exposing our cells to more oxidative stress. Any exposure to light causes oxidative stress (especially to the macula). Hence, oxidative stress is considered a contributing factor to the onset of AMD.

  • AMD is the leading cause of adult blindness in developed countries, particularly in those over 55 years of age. Worldwide, this condition accounts for 7% of cases of blindness and is expected to affect 288 million people by the year 2040. AMD is more prevalent than glaucoma and dry eye, combined.

  • award-winning guides & articles from our surgeons & scientists

    HOW LUTEIN & ZEAXANTHIN HELP YOUR EYES
    3 min

    HOW LUTEIN & ZEAXANTHIN HELP YOUR EYES

    Read
    What's in our Eye Vitamins
    4 min

    What's in our Eye Vitamins

    Read
    Dark circles under eyes - causes & treatment
    5 min

    Dark circles under eyes - causes & treatment

    Read
    Vitamins pouch front
    259 reviews