What can I do to protect my vision?
There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but you can take steps to lower your risk and protect yourself from loss of vision. A diagnosis of AMD does not mean blindness.
What can I do to lower my risk?
- See an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) — Regular visits to an ophthalmologist can help detect AMD and other eye diseases in the early stages, when treatment is most effective. This exam should take place through a dilated pupil at least once a year.
- Take a home eye test — Use a simple take-home screening tool known as an Amsler grid. It can help patients detect visual distortions that might occur as early signs of AMD. An Amsler grid is a small checkerboard-like grid with a fixation dot in the center. If a person notices any distortions in the lines or missing lines on the grid, he or she should visit an eye doctor immediately.
- Eat vegetables and fruit — For patients at high risk of developing AMD, certain vitamins and minerals found in vegetables and fruit can decrease the risk of AMD progression and vision loss.
- Quit smoking — Any exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of AMD and can cause it to progress faster.
- Control blood pressure — There is some data that suggest that high blood pressure can contribute to the risk of AMD.
- Control cholesterol levels — Studies indicate that high levels of blood cholesterol boost your risk for AMD. Talk to your doctor about reducing cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and if necessary, medicine.
How can I protect my vision if I have AMD?
A 10-year study sponsored by the National Eye Institute — "Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)" — found that high-dose antioxidant vitamins and zinc can significantly help people who already have AMD. People with intermediate AMD lowered their risk of losing vision by about 25 percent when treated with a high-dose combination of:
- 500 milligrams of vitamin C
- 400 international units of vitamin E
- 15 milligrams of beta carotene
- 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide
- 2 milligrams of copper as cupric oxide
This combination is now available over the counter as pills. Ask your doctor or your pharmacist if you are a candidate for taking these vitamins, as not all patients should be taking this formulation.
What if I am losing vision now?
If you carry the diagnosis of AMD and have loss of vision, you should see an eye doctor immediately. There are new treatments that can maintain and even improve vision, so the sooner they are started, the better.
What if I've already lost vision?
Normal use of your eyes will not cause further vision damage. Try to enjoy your normal activities.
Low-vision aids are available to help you make the most of your remaining vision. Low-vision aids are special lenses or electronic systems that make images appear larger. If you need low-vision aids, your eye care professional can often prescribe them for you or refer you to a low-vision specialist. In addition, there are many groups and agencies that offer information about counseling, training, and other special services. Ask your eye doctor if you would benefit from these services.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 1/6/2009...#9910
