Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults ages 50 and up. It has two main types – dry and wet macular degeneration, with the former being the most common form.

Even between the two, macular degeneration has no noticeable symptoms until vision loss has already occurred. If detected and treated early, it could be possible to delay and maybe even prevent vision loss.

Early Detection Is Crucial in Slowing AMD Progress

The best and simplest way to diagnose AMD early is by having routine comprehensive eye exams. It also helps to become more familiar with the signs and symptoms of the disease, even though it does not manifest many indicators.

In addition to an eye exam and a complete medical history, there are several tests that your eye doctor can do to find out if you have age-related macular degeneration. These are:

Pupil Dilation

For this test, eye drops are applied to the pupil to help it widen. This allows the doctor to perform a close-up examination of the retina.

Visual Acuity Test

Visual acuity is a chart eye test, a common exam used to measure your vision ability at different distances.

Fluorescein Angiography

This test helps detect wet AMD. It’s performed by injecting a special dye into the vein in the arm. The doctor takes pictures as the dye passes through the retina’s blood vessels. The images help the doctor determine if the blood vessels are leaking and if it is treatable.

Amsler Grid

This is another test used to detect wet AMD. Amsler grid uses a checkerboard-like grid to test the patient’s vision by determining if they can see the straight lines of the grid or if they appear wavy. Either of them indicates that you may have age-related macular degeneration.

How to Prevent the Onset of AMD

You can take certain measures to decrease your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. A regular eye exam is a start. Follow it with some lifestyle changes, including not smoking, and you may be able to slow down or prevent vision loss.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a risk factor for macular degeneration. If you smoke, it’s better to stop as soon as you can, especially if you are already showing signs of having the disease. Quitting smoking might help you still save your eyesight.

AREDS2 Supplementation

The age-related eye disease study or AREDS2 found that combining certain micronutrients can help hinder AMD’s progress. According to the study, taking the AREDS formula as a supplement may reduce AMD's progression by 25%. The formula contains:

• 10mg of lutein
• 2mg of zeaxanthin
• 500mg of vitamin C
• 400 IU of vitamin E
• 80mg of zinc oxide
• 2mg of cupric oxide

Foods High in Zeaxanthin and Lutein

Tweaking your diet can also help lower the progress of AMD. Based on the findings of AREDS2, eat foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Foods rich in these antioxidants include yellow corn, kale, egg yolk, kiwi, spinach, squash, grapes, and broccoli.

Use Sunglasses and a Hat

Too much exposure to light is also a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. Staring at the sun, even for a few minutes, is known to cause permanent damage to the retina. As such, doctors recommend wearing sunglasses and a hat in bright but harmful sunlight.

Lower your risk of AMD by getting an eye exam at Vision Concept. Call us at (281) 688-6400 or visit our clinic in Houston, Texas.