Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious disease that becomes one of the main causes of visual impairment after the age of fifty. This is a disease affecting the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for central vision. It is no coincidence that this disease is considered one of the most common in older people.
Scientists assume that by 2040, the number of patients will increase by almost 100 million. But modern doctors have everything necessary to diagnose and successfully treat diseases in the initial stages of development.
If left untreated, it can lead to a complete loss of central vision, which we use to drive a car, read, cook, and recognize people's faces. From the voluminous, colorful, clear picture of the surrounding reality, only general, blurred outlines remain.
Why is this happening?
Extracellular deposits accumulate in the outer part of the retina, which leads to degeneration (destruction) of photoreceptors. The macula contains the largest number of cones - photoreceptor cells, thanks to which all objects and objects have the corresponding colors.
According to the conclusions of ophthalmologists and scientists, there are five main factors that affect the development of AMD in late life:
- Age: With age, the body undergoes natural changes, including changes in the structure of the eye. Decreased flexibility of the lens, slowing of the tear production process and other physiological changes make the eyes more vulnerable to diseases, including AMD.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains harmful substances that can destroy cells in the macula and damage the blood vessels that supply the central area of the retina. Therefore, smoking is a serious risk factor for the development of AMD.
- Oxidative stress: Free radicals produced during oxidative stress can damage cells in the macula and contribute to tissue inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels that feed the retina. This can lead to the development of AMD and other eye diseases.
- Imbalanced diet: Inadequate amounts of antioxidants in the diet, such as zinc, vitamins C and E, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can contribute to the development of AMD. Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that can damage macular cells.
- Family history: A family history of diseases can also affect the risk of developing AMD. If relatives have had cases of this disease, the probability of its appearance in children or other family members may be higher.
In general, the prevention of AMD includes a balanced diet, rejection of bad habits, regular ophthalmological examinations after reaching the age of fifty, especially in the presence of risk factors. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the consequences of this disease and preserve the quality of life.
